Moldovan Media and Officials Fight Fake News Together

Moldovan journalists and local officials came together for a two-day workshop on building closer channels of communication so as to successfully fight disinformation and Russia-sponsored narratives.

Strengthening the partnership between media and the authorities so as to expose and combat manipulation and propaganda was the central theme of the July event held with IWPR’s partner in Moldova, WatchDog.MD (WDMD).

The seminar, in the administrative centre of Orhei, gathered 22 journalists and editors from three independent TV stations as well as representatives of the Moldovan government and the UK embassy.

Participants discussed practical ways in which close communication between journalists and authorities could ensure reliable information to combat propaganda.

A lack of proper government information provides fertile ground for Russia-sponsored disinformation to instil distrust to weaken state institutions and ultimately destabilise the country. 

However, improving communication helps ensure better access to reliable information on issues that are relevant to Moldovan audiences.

Journalists explored tools and techniques to identify and combat false information, particularly generated by pro-Russia actors, and to improve foreign news coverage to counter pro-Kremlin narratives and boost the resilience of Moldovan audiences.

As Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine enters its sixth month, participants were able to gain a better understanding of the public’s perception of the war and the role the independent media has in Moldova in providing factual and objective coverage.

This publication was prepared under the Countering Disinformation in Moldova project, implemented with the support of the United Kingdom's Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).