The Association of Jouranalists «Independence House» Beliefs (its philosophy)Journalists are the watchdogs of the public. We do our best to spread truth and knowledge, defending justice, democracy and fair play, exposing wrong-doing and seeking to make the world a better place Journalists are the watchdogs of the public.Our goal is to help both the journalists who produce the news and the citizens who consume it develop a better understanding of what the press is delivering, how the media are changing, and what forces are shaping those changes AoJ «Independence House» is a non-governmental non-profit organisation, aiming to ensure freedom of speech and rights of receiving and distributing information and promoting professional standards of journalism.

Purpose (its reason for existing)

• to represent independent-minded journalists in dealing with government and other institutions, both inside and outside the country;
• to share professional information and serve as a forum for self-education;
• to establish a code of conduct for journalists and the news industry;
• to promote free-press principles and policies outside the media;
• to represent journalists in dealing with employers;
• to defend and promote freedom of information.

Function (its policies and practices)

• to enhance professional and ethical standards in journalism;
• to promote transparency in the media industry;
• to help sustain and develop national and regional journalism training and media research capacities;
• to boost exchange of information and expertise among media professionals;
• to advocate media policy initiatives both on national and regional levels.