MINSK, 22 November (BelTA) – The role of mass media is huge now, and the attitude towards journalists is very serious, Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko said at a Q&A session titled “Open Microphone with the President” that was held at Minsk State Linguistic University on 22 November, BelTA has learned.
The head of state was asked about the role of mass media in modern society, and whether he believes they are the fourth estate, as Honore de Balzac called them, or they have already become the first estate.
“I would like to tell journalists once and for all: they are the fourth estate, not the first, not the second, not the third. The fourth one,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
The president emphasized that an information war is currently underway and there is a probability of a real, hot war. In such a situation, mass media will play an increasingly important role. The events in Ukraine are a case in point, as information and psychological operations are actively used there; they are based on intertwining and interweaving hoaxes, truth, and bias. In particular, this was the case with the events in Bucha. The blame was placed on Russia although in reality (this is backed by the evidence received from the intelligence service) it was the British special services that did it. “It was an information and psychological operation. Moreover, it was skillfully planned and well-timed, if I may say so. It was a very powerful information and psychological attack on the Russian Federation,” he added.
Aleksandr Lukashenko admitted that Belarus, if necessary, might also use PSYOP methods, because otherwise it would be impossible to survive in the information war.
“Information and psychological operations are not our invention. We will have to respond. But the truth must be at the core. The truth and only the truth,” the president emphasized.
“Media outlets play a huge role today. You [journalists] are on the front line,” the president said. He gave a piece of advice to everyone who wants to receive reliable information: “If you want to know the truth, read and watch state-run media.”
According to him, more than half of the population of Belarus trusts these media outlets. “It was not the case before. People have eventually realized who tells the truth. That is why people trust primarily state media. You should take such things seriously,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
“I am not saying that we should ignore other, alternative points of view. You should get familiar with them if you know how to analyze information and make the right conclusions,” the head of state said. “Amidst this information war, you must be very attentive, careful, cautious, and discerning. And journalists should help the public with this,” he added.
Aleksandr Lukashenko once again explained his attitude to “propaganda”, which is sometimes presented as a negative thing. “What's wrong with that? There is nothing wrong with it. All journalists, all politicians use propaganda, counter-propaganda and campaigning. They all do it. Some people from abroad would point fingers at someone and call them propagandists, but who are they themselves? We promote our way of life, our culture. We encourage people to do this. And who are you defending? Those who pay you,” the head of state said.
“The role of the media is now very significant. And, of course, the attitude towards journalists is very serious today. Therefore, I have paid and keep paying much attention to journalists as I understand that now a lot depends on them. It would not be an overstatement to say that they shape the image of not only the present, but also the future of our society,” the president said.
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