The purpose was to meet with the Executive Director of the Committee of Concerned Journalists (CCJ)-–Mr. Mark Carter, and the Training Director –Mr. Wally Dean<br /> <br /> IEPF fresh from participating in the IPI 2010 world congress in Vienna travelled to Washington DC to have several meetings and also meet with the Staff of the Committee of Concerned Journalists, an affiliate of the University of Missouri. The meeting was made possible through the arrangement of Mr. Roger A Gafke, Professor Emeritus and Director of Program Development, Donald W. Renolds Journalism Institute, University of Missouri.
The office of CCJ is located at the US National Press Building. The building is significant place for media issues in the USA and has a representative of virtually all media institutes, newspapers and TV houses as was told by Mr. Carter.
At the meeting IEPF Chairman was interested in the activities of CCJ that is centered on critical thinking about journalism, and what journalism can be. In particular, Mr. Umud Mirzayev wants CCJ to apply its vast experience in the development of media in Azerbaijan and improving the social standards of Azerbaijan journalists.
Bothe Mr. Carter and Mr. Dean were in agreement that CCJ has the capability to conduct such kind of activities in Azerbaijan. CCJ strong point is on training journalists on different aspects of good journalism. CCJ also assist in creating journalism curriculum that can be used in universities faculties on journalism. Also CCJ has the ability to develop good business model for journalists as well as train journalist on the effective use of technology on media.
At the end of the meeting, the IEPF Chairman took a short tour of the National Press Building in order to appreciate the good display of professional journalism standards as displayed on the walls of the building. Mr. Mirzayev was impressed and wished a similar structure can be replicated in Azerbaijan to serve same purpose.