In collaboration with the U.S. Department of State’s Paris-based African Regional Services, the Public Affairs Section of U.S. Embassy Conakry organized the second Digital Video Conference (DVC) in a five part series on April 23, 2008. Experienced journalist and professor at the American University in Paris, George Kazolias, spoke to an audience of 40 people composed of members of the Guinean independent and public media, representatives from the Guinean National Communication Council (CNC), fourteen senior students from the University of Conakry’s School of Journalism, and members of the National Independent Electoral Commission (CENI). 

Professor Kazolias spoke for 20 minutes on the fundamental principles of covering a presidential campaign. He began by explaining that a journalist should remain a neutral credible source of information for citizens to learn more about the candidates and their political platforms and agendas. Journalists also hold elected officials accountable for their campaign promises and report on their political and sometimes personal conduct. The audience asked about polling, codes of conduct, and journalism skills among other questions. The professor responded by detailing the polling process and how margins of error are taken into account. Then he tackled the questions on codes of conduct and skills. He reiterated that though a reporter should vote for his or her candidate, remaining neutral in the eyes of the public was essential. Next, a journalist must strive to provide balanced factual coverage and avoid reporting rumors as fact. Information and source verification is crucial to bringing the public all the information necessary to choose a candidate. The audience agreed that the conference drew much need attention to the subject especially in light of the upcoming legislative elections in Guinea. All are looking forward to the next in this exciting series.