VULNERABILITIES AND MEDIA COVERAGE
VULNERABILITIES AND MEDIA COVERAGE

Author(s): Ion Bunduchi
Subject(s): Politics, Psychology, Media studies, Geography, Regional studies, Communication studies, Socio-Economic Research
Published by: NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence
Keywords: Moldova; information; communication; media; narratives; vulnerabilities; media coverage; politics; corruption; poverty; Transnistria; Gagauzia;
Summary/Abstract: Moldova is facing a profound crisis. Although media institutions have, to some extent, been fulfilling their watchdog role, the country is vulnerable and freedom of the press is uncertain at best. The most influential media outlets, especially the television stations, are politically affiliated and often the personal property of politicians and influential businessmen. These media institutions exert significant influence on the public agenda, often determining which subjects are put forward according to their private interests, with no connection to the real needs of Moldovan citizens and society. The representation of issues that concern the public interest has narrowed considerably, while the representation of private, political, and/or economic interests takes centre stage. This makes it possible for politically, ideologically, or economically powerhungry stakeholders to manipulate public opinion. However, the media are not the only actors revealing social problems. The adversaries of democratic development are also ready to exploit existing vulnerabilities. This chapter focuses on the issues of corruption, weak state structures, national politics, and the regions of Transnistria and Gagauzia. Poverty and a lack of security also largely stem from these issues.

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