Training for journalists of Mongolian National Public RTV

Location: Mongolian National Public RTV
Date: 21 April 2006
Trainer: Rose Kudabayava, BBC

Summary: Training took place over the two hours. The aim was to familiarize Mongolian journalists, particularly journalists from news service of the Mongolian National Public Radio and Television with the character and various types of the defamation and libel cases which mostly occurs when producing news items in the BBC.

More than 20 participants attended the training workshop and Rose Kudabayava gave an overview of the defamatory and has presented what is libel and slander, who can sue, how to prevent journalists involving in the libel cases.

The workshop also provided the knowledge on the case reporting such us what kind of images will be used not damaging someone’s reputation , how to report it to the public, how to make immediate correction when occurs a mistake during the broadcasting and so on.

As she informed, in the Western countries usually considered that the individuals reputation is defamed when the following consequences appears:
a. She or he is being repelled and rejected by others
b. She or he is being kept clear of the other people
c. Her or his dignity is being damaged before the deserving public
d. Her or his reputation is being harmed among the colleagues

Basing on occurred cases she introduced to Mongolian journalists on hidden content of broadcasted materials or published articles could damage someone’s reputation.
The trainer generated discussion around the following questions in order to ensure the participants were aware of when occurs a defamatory cases:
-Who can appeal to court for asking to resolve defamation cases
- Is it risky for the journalists to make common conclusion in a certain cases
- Is it necessary for the journalists to imitate someone’s speech while producing a program
-How to prevent in involving defamatory
-How to protect while involving in defamatory.
-How to make accurate comment on certain cases that protects the journalists
-What is the privileged right of journalists

Also she gave an example of defamatory cases which occurred during her work time in BBC.
Finally, she discussed with participants on the defamation cases which occurred recently in Mongolia including the appeal of Mrs. Arvin. MP to the court regarding items published on the newspaper “Mongolchuudyn amidral” / Life of Mongolians/ which she considered her reputation was harmed before the public particularly her voters.