KOSOVO

MEDIA SUSTAINABILITY INDEX 2018 Tracking Development of Sustainable Independent Media Around the World AT A GLANCE GENERAL MEDIA-SPECIFIC ▶▶Population: 1,895,250 (July 2017 est. CIA ▶▶Languages (% of population): Albanian ▶▶Number of print outlets, radio stations, ▶▶Internet usage: 80.5% of households have World Factbook) (official) 94.5%, Bosnian 1.7%, Serbian television stations: Print—5 daily Internet access (Regulatory Authority of ▶▶Capital city: (official) 1.6%, Turkish 1.1%, other 0.9% newspapers; Radio Stations—82; Television Electronic and Postal Communications, (includes Romani), unspecified 0.1% (CIA Stations—20 (IMC, 2015) December 2015) ▶▶Ethnic groups (% of population): Albanians 92.9%, Bosniaks 1.6%, Serbs 1.5%, Turk 1.1%, World Factbook, 2002 est.) ▶▶Newspaper circulation statistics: Koha Ashkali 0.9%, Egyptian 0.7%, Gorani 0.6%, ▶▶GNI (2016–Atlas): $6.65 billion (World Bank Ditore is the leading newspaper, followed by Romani 0.5%, other/unspecified 0.2% (CIA Development Indicators, 2016) (Index Kosova, December 2015) World Factbook, 2011 est.) ▶▶GNI per capita (2016–PPP): $3,850 (World ▶▶News agencies: Kosovo Live, Kosovo Press, ▶▶Religions (% of population): Muslim 95.6%, Bank Development Indicators, 2016) Economy Online Roman Catholic 2.2%, Orthodox 1.5%, other ▶▶Literacy rate: N/A ▶▶Broadcast Ratings: RTK (40%), KTV (37%), 0.07%, none 0.07%, unspecified 0.6% (CIA ▶▶President or top authority: President RTV21 (36%), (18%); Radio World Factbook, 2011 est.) Hashim Thaci (since April 7, 2016) Dukagjini (4.2%), Radio Blue Sky (2.1%), Radio Kosova (2%), Radio 21 (1.9%) (Index Kosova, December 2015)

MEDIA SUSTAINABILITY INDEX: KOSOVO SCORE KEY Unsustainable, Anti-Free Press (0–1): Country does not meet or only minimally meets objectives. Government and laws actively hinder free media development, professionalism

SUSTAINABLE is low, and media-industry activity is minimal.

Unsustainable Mixed System (1–2): Country minimally

2.90 meets objectives, with segments of the legal system and 2.73 2.65 2.65 NEAR 2.64 2.64 2.63

2.61 government opposed to a free media system. Evident progress 2.58 2.57 2.56 2.53 2.52 2.51 2.52 2.46

2.43 in free-press advocacy, increased professionalism, and new 2.38 2.37 2.36 2.36 SUSTAINABILITY 2.32 2.25 2.27

2.24 media businesses may be too recent to judge sustainability. 2.22 2.16 2.16 2.13

2.02 Near Sustainability (2–3): Country has progressed in meeting multiple objectives, with legal norms, professionalism, and the

SUSTAINABILITY business environment supportive of independent media. Advances MIXED SYSTEM

UNSUSTAINABLE have survived changes in government and have been codified in law and practice. However, more time may be needed to ensure that change is enduring and that increased professionalism and the media business environment are sustainable.

Sustainable (3–4): Country has media that are considered 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 UNSUSTAINABLE ANTI-FREE PRESS generally professional, free, and sustainable, or to be approaching FREE PROFESSIONAL PLURALITY OF BUSINESS SUPPORTING SPEECH JOURNALISM NEWS SOURCES MANAGEMENT INSTITUTIONS these objectives. Systems supporting independent media OBJECTIVES have survived multiple governments, economic fluctuations, and changes in public opinion or social conventions.

Scores for all years may be found online at https://www.irex.org/msi n the evening hours of December 22, 2017, tremendous changes in the composition of OVERALL after the Christmas holiday had already Parliament. The opposition party Vetevendosje, SCORE begun, 43 members of Parliament from the which has received extensive coverage in ruling coalition signed a request to call for previous MSI reports for organizing massive an extraordinary session to repeal the law and often violent street protests, doubled its 2.56 on the Specialist Chamber and Specialist number of seats in the Parliament. However, IProsecutor’s Office. The law was adopted in 2015 the party remained in opposition, since a larger to establish a Hague-based war crimes court pre-election coalition, composed of 12 political Every objective for Kosovo and to prosecute suspected parties, won the right to form the government. increased this year and it for crimes against civilians during and after Eventually, in September 2017, Parliament elected remains in the middle of the near the 1999 war. High-level politicians, mostly Haradinaj as the new prime minister. sustainable category at score from the ruling parties, feared their names A month later, in October, regular local elections of 2.56. The most significant could be on the list of suspects. Eventually, this were organized in 38 municipalities in Kosovo, increase was in the professional government-backed initiative failed after two which also brought certain changes to the journalism objective with main opposition parties boycotted it, leaving political map of Kosovo. For example, the increasing production quality of it without the necessary quorum. The United Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), which had programming and 24 hour news States and European Union representatives dominated many municipalities, held on to channels. Business management warned Kosovo leaders that reneging on its power in only five of them; meanwhile, the remains the lowest category, agreement with Western allies to hand over Alliance for Kosovo Future (AAK), which used although the score increased suspected war criminals could globally isolate to rule in just a few municipalities, won in by .20 this year as many media Kosovo. Ruairí O’Connell, the United Kingdom’s eight. Although no physical incidents were outlets rely on advertising or ambassador to Kosovo, called it “the most reported during campaign season, a brutal international donors for revenue. dangerous night” since the end of the war. Market research is lacking, “anticampaign” was organized in the media, but tools like Google analytics Although the attempt to dissolve the Special especially on social media. Fake news originated can provide some data for the Court took both the international community and from all camps. The number of new portals media to promote themselves the local public by surprise, given the history of disseminating false information through social to advertisers and donors. the members of the new government formed media intensified, confusing many Internet after the June elections, it could have been users who were unable to distinguish between anticipated. Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj established online outlets and the fake ones. voted against the law in 2015 when he was a The Press Council of Kosovo has processed a member of the opposition. Haradinaj’s election record 63 complaints for false reporting and was preceded by a vote of no confidence found ethics violations in 50 of them. Most initiated by opposition parties earlier in May. That were serious violations of reporting standards motion triggered extraordinary parliamentary and were intentionally committed by the media elections a month later, which brought during the election season.

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OBJECTIVE 1: under “enormous stress.” Milaim Zeka, a member to be sought directly from institutions, which are FREEDOM OF 2.65 of Parliament from the ruling coalition, used even not always receptive to cooperating with journalists. SPEECH stronger language against journalists. In one of his In addition, not all outlets are treated the same. speeches in Parliament, he criticized journalists Generally, smaller and more niche media outlets Although Kosovo is far from becoming a full for labeling people as “criminals” on TV shows, face more challenges in securing interviews and member of the EU, its EU orientation has resulted referencing both Vehbi Kajtazi from the investigative accessing documents and information. Many of these in the adoption of a legal framework in line with online newspaper Insajderi and the television show institutions have press officers and public relations EU and international standards. Legislation in host Adriatik Kelmendi. Kajtazi authored an investi- officials, but most public government institutions Kosovo regarding media freedoms, freedom of gative story that names Zeka as the mastermind of have either internal regulations that bar officials from expression and information, and human rights is a fraud scheme. The story alleges that Zeka and his speaking to the media without obtaining permission aligned with global standards. However, there are business partner received money from more than from the highest levels or no clear guidelines on how regular attempts to introduce new legislation or 900 Kosovans for employment visas for seasonal the communication should take place. Generally, to amend existing laws to reverse this progress. work in and led to Zeka’s arrest. The only partial information is provided. Responses to For example, this year, there was an attempt Kosovo special prosecutor is investigating him for to criminalize libel again, which is currently a possible participation in organized crime. Legal and social norms protect and promote civil issue. A large public outcry followed, and Days after Kajtazi ran his article, he was free speech and access to public information. the proposal failed. Still, despite a solid legal physically attacked; the perpetrators were never framework, obstacles emerge when it comes to identified. Earlier in the year, the director of Insajderi FREE-SPEECH INDICATORS fair and equal implementation of such legislation. and a colleague of Kajtazi, Parim Olluri, was also ▶▶Legal and social ▶▶Libel is a civil law issue; This has become particularly evident with regard beaten by unknown assailants while he was protections of free public officials are held to the legal treatment in the cases of attacks accompanied by his wife. Again, the police never speech exist and to higher standards, are enforced. and offended parties against journalists. In 2017, two well-known found the attackers. In some cases, journalists must prove falsity investigative journalists were subjected to receive indirect threats. For example, a public official ▶▶Licensing of broadcast and malice. media is fair, competitive, physical attacks; many others received threats working in the General Auditor’s Office blackmailed and apolitical. ▶▶Public information or were subjected to public humiliation. Police Saranda Ramaj, an investigative journalist from the is easily accessible; investigations and judiciary procedures do not daily newspaper . The official pressured ▶▶Market entry and tax right of access to structure for media are always treat such cases with urgency. However, Ramaj’s parents to stop her reporting. Ramaj had information is equally fair and comparable enforced for all media when high-profile politicians are threatened, state found serious violations in a public tender that to other industries. and journalists. authorities are quick to react. is linked to the General Auditor’s Office. Despite ▶▶Crimes against the threats and violence, all three journalists have ▶▶Media outlets have journalists or media unrestricted access The Association of Kosovo Journalists recorded received awards naming their work as some of the outlets are prosecuted to information; this is more than 20 cases of assaults against journalists best anticorruption stories. vigorously, but equally enforced for all occurrences of such media and journalists. in 2017. The inflammatory language used by Access to information is a civil right that is crimes are rare. politicians toward journalists is also on the rise. In guaranteed by law. However, several obstacles ▶▶Entry into the ▶▶State or public media do journalism profession one of his first press conferences, Prime Minister still remain. There is a general lack of institutional not receive preferential Haradinaj, unsatisfied with comments and questions information easily accessible to journalists and the is free, and government legal treatment, and imposes no licensing, raised by journalists, told them to “go to school public. Financial reports in particular are hard to law guarantees editorial restrictions, or special and read more.” A few days later, he apologized find and are not always available on the websites of independence. rights for journalists. for the inappropriate language, saying that he was public institutions. The majority of information has

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follow-up questions are rare, and there are delays in Ministry of Public Administration. a steering board selected by Parliament oversees providing access to documents. With regard to market entry, Kosovo has RTK, its appointees are mostly selected based on One positive development is the Prime no legal restrictions greater than those of other party preferences. Panelists mentioned dozens of Minister’s Office’s initiative to revise the govern- non-media businesses, and media organizations are cases in which high-level media professionals have ment’s communication strategy. Called the not burdened with taxes higher than those for other somehow not made it past the interview phase. This “Concept Document on the Government Public private businesses. Media outlets actually enjoy year, Parliament dismissed a member of the board Communication Service,” the aim of this document certain tax breaks, such as the value-added tax on after evidence emerged that she had violated the is to address the current flaws and drawbacks technical equipment and materials. Entry into the law by keeping another position in a public office. in the communication between the government journalism profession is free, and the government and the media. During 2017, several meetings imposes no licensing restrictions. The government were organized with civil society organizations does restrict the number of journalists from one OBJECTIVE 2: and media representatives to help cultivate new outlet who can report on government events, forcing PROFESSIONAL 2.52 JOURNALISM strategies. One issue discussed is the persistent the same reporter to attend all government events problem of press officers and officials not attending and prohibiting others from covering them if the meetings where issues, policies, and programs registered reporter is unavailable. The law does Traditional media, like television and newspapers, are being discussed, which in turn prevents them not restrict access to international news and news tend to adhere more to professional standards, from being able to communicate messages to the sources. but this is not necessarily true for online press properly. During one of the public consul- media, particularly given the continuous shift tations on the concept document, members of the Many of these institutions have press of mainstream media to online platforms. This media discussed two particular issues: a more open officers and public relations officials, transition has been a contributor to a deterio- data approach to increase transparency and more ration of professional standards and practices consistent and systematic press conferences across but most public government institutions overall. Increasingly, media are publishing all government ministries. The government approved have either internal regulations that bar single-sourced articles and stories, and personal the document in late December. officials from speaking to the media without statements, mostly given through Twitter or The Independent Media Commission (IMC), Facebook, are being published as stand-alone a public body overseen by Parliament, licenses obtaining permission from the highest articles. This is leading to stories and reports that television, radio, and cable providers. A steering levels or no clear guidelines on how the lack context and comprehensive analysis, and board elected by Parliament selects IMC members; communication should take place. they often lack fact-checking. the election of board members is mostly based on party affiliations rather than on professional merit. The Radio Television of Kosovo (RTK) is With the election year, fake news and fake media The IMC is also responsible for managing the the only public medium and consists of four TV increased, leading to a high number of citizen transition from analog to digital broadcasting, of channels, two radio stations, and one online portal. complaints over false reporting. The Press Council which no concrete steps have been taken this year. RTK continues to receive state funding, although the of Kosovo, a self-regulatory body composed of Print and online media are not required to go law initially only planned for funding for a temporary representatives from print and online media, through any licensing procedures, although they are period until a subscription fee was implemented. processed a total of 63 complaints of false reporting registered either as business enterprises operating The temporary period has already ended, but there in 2017. The council found that in 50 cases, there under the auspices of Kosovo Business Registration is not mechanism in sight to replace state funding. were clear violations of ethical standards. Of the Agency within the Ministry of Trade and Industry or Panelists said state funding makes the public media complaints, 29 were against the daily newspaper as nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) under the more prone to direct government influence. Although Kosova Sot, and 13 others were directed at the

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Journalism meets professional sustainability, many journalists continue to lack Entertainment programming does not eclipse standards of quality. adequate implementation of their work contracts news and informational programming in television. or lack contracts altogether. Throughout the private News programs contain sufficient information on PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISM INDICATORS media sector, journalists’ salaries are low, and for daily local, national, and international news. Cable ▶▶Reporting is fair, ▶▶Entertainment many reporters, salaries are not always paid on providers now have space for channels that provide objective, and programming does time. At some media outlets, journalists are also news round-the-clock, like Arta TV. There have been well sourced. not eclipse news and information not allowed to freelance for other outlets, further improvements in the equipment and facilities for ▶▶Journalists follow programming. diminishing the chance of a higher income. Such gathering, producing, and distributing news; as such, recognized and accepted financial instability seems to have turned the the number of stations offering programming in high ethical standards. ▶▶Technical facilities and equipment for profession into an launchpad for another career. The definition has increased. At the local level, however, ▶▶Journalists and editors gathering, producing, pay levels in public media are significantly higher community media often lack proper financial do not practice and distributing self-censorship. compared to the private media, in part because investments and have lower-quality programming. news are modern the public media receives around €10 million and efficient. ▶▶Journalists cover key ($12.4 million) each year from the state budget, in events and issues. ▶▶Quality niche reporting addition to income secured through advertisements. OBJECTIVE 3: and programming ▶▶Pay levels for journalists Conversely, the budget of private media with PLURALITY 2.64 _ and other media exists (investigative, OF NEWS professionals are economics/business, national coverage is believed to be between €2 and sufficiently high to local, political). 3 million ($2.5 million and $3.7 million). discourage corruption. In general, the media environment across Kosovo In general, bigger mainstream media is quite diverse, both in terms of channels and outlets might have around two to three content. There are public and commercial radio online newspaper Express. Panelists believe that if stations and television channels, as well as Kosovo had a better justice system, media organi- journalists who cover a particular field (for private newspapers (although they are in decline), zations could not afford to publish false information example, health or the economy), but it is news agencies, cable providers, and online intentionally. not a widespread practice across the media news sites. The variety of news sources allows Respect of copyrights has not improved from people to check one against the other. There are last year. Many outlets republish articles without landscape. also numerous cable providers that include a prior request or approval for content sharing. This diverse array of channels, including ones from is particularly common among online media. One In mainstream media, there is a lack of beat different countries. In terms of content, there are exception is .com, an online media outlet journalists who specialize in one subject. In general, many perspectives and angles, but that does that has become a member of the International bigger mainstream media outlets might have around not necessarily ensure high-quality discussions Fact-Checking Network. two to three journalists who cover a particular field and debate. In general, there is also a lack in In general, there is a widespread perception that (for example, health or the economy), but it is not a the diversity of topics across mainstream media, self-censorship is engrained in media professionals. widespread practice across the media landscape. which continue to overemphasize trivial issues, in Many media outlets have political affiliations, and In general, journalists usually cover key events and particular focusing on individual political leaders journalists working for certain media end up self-cen- issues, and, because of technological advancements, and political parties and groups, rather than on soring in order to abide by the political editorial most key events are broadcast live. During the policies, issues, and programs. positions of the media they choose to work for. election, for example, reporters provided live When it comes to financial security and coverage from polling stations. The law does not restrict citizens’ access to

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domestic and international media. There are in 2017 during both parliamentary elections and local outlets. Still, there are some mechanisms citizens no restrictions from the government in terms elections. The number of new portals disseminating can use to find out more about media ownership. of accessing certain Internet features or social false information through social media intensified, For example, private television channels, radio networks. In fact, cable and Internet penetration and many Internet users are unable to distinguish stations, and cable providers are required to register has increased rapidly. According to the Regulatory between an established online outlet and the fake their owners’ data with the IMC, while print outlets Authority of Electronic and Postal Communications, ones. The need to educate the public on how and online news sites are required to register their 80.5 percent of Kosovo households have Internet to identify and verify which outlets are fake is of owners’ data with the Ministry of Trade and Industry. access. Panelists suggested that with audiences extreme importance, panelists said. NGO media are also required to provide ownership increasingly moving to online platforms and outlets The public broadcaster continues to remain to consume information, there is a greater need politically influenced, generally catering to the Because of the diversity in media outlets, for more media literacy programs, activities, and parties in power. While the public broadcaster’s citizens can find coverage of a broad initiatives. The phenomenon of fake news and legislation, rules of conduct, and code of ethics all spectrum of social issues, such as those online portals with the sole purpose of publishing define its responsibility as serving in a bipartisan misleading information about individuals or groups is way on behalf of the public interest, it remains concerning gender, religion, and sexual particularly evident during election season, including highly politicized, serving more as a mouthpiece for orientation. Although there is no resistance the government. Panelists said that as long as the from the media to cover and debate these public broadcaster is financed from the state budget, Multiple news sources provide citizens it would not enjoy full editorial and institutional issues, they are often associated with with reliable and objective news. independence. negative comments on social media. PLURALITY OF NEWS SOURCES INDICATORS Most private media produce their own ▶▶A plurality of affordable ▶▶Independent broadcast news and programming. This also holds true for information to the Ministry of Public Administration, public and private media produce their community media, whose main focus is on local but ownership and editorial information are missing news sources (e.g., own news programs. news and developments. Some online new sites, from the websites of online media. Ownership print, broadcast, however, tend to rely heavily on content from transparency is one of the few effective ways the Internet) exists. ▶▶Transparency of media ownership allows mainstream media and news agencies. KosovaPress public can verify the credibility of an outlet. As ▶▶Citizens’ access consumers to judge and Ekonomia Online are the largest independent such, the Press Council has requested that all of to domestic or objectivity of news; international media media ownership is news agencies. While panelists believe they offer its members publish an impressum, a document is not restricted. not concentrated in a good services, their main focus is on daily news that would include information about ownership, few conglomerates. as well as coverage of officials’ daily agenda, not newsroom editorial team, and contact information. ▶▶State or public media reflect the views of ▶▶A broad spectrum of investigative reporting. However, private media This was presented as a condition of membership the entire political social interests are published several investigative pieces this year, on the council, where more than 90 percent of the spectrum, are reflected and represented including one on the chief prosecutor of Kosovo members are online media. However, a number of nonpartisan, and serve in the media, including the public interest. minority-language Aleksander Lumezi, who is accused of fraud. outlets have still yet to respond. information sources. Reporters found archival documents suggesting Because of the diversity in media outlets, ▶▶Independent news Lumezi may have falsified his bar exam, although he citizens can find coverage of a broad spectrum of agencies gather and ▶▶Broadcast ratings, distribute news for print circulation figures, has denied such allegations. social issues, such as those concerning gender, and broadcast media. and Internet statistics Transparency in private media ownership has religion, and sexual orientation. Although there is are reliable. not improved from last year. Most people find it no resistance from the media to cover and debate hard to locate information on who owns various these issues, they are often associated with negative

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comments on social media. Religion in particular media. Private media primarily rely on advertising obligated to do so. Marketing is also not transparent receives a lot of public attention, with the debate revenue, while NGO media have to apply regularly for private media, although public media is required over whether a grand mosque should be built in for funding from international donors. Cable by law to provide audit reports. Pristina receiving many comments. providers and news agencies, meanwhile, rely There is no systematic and credible Minority media are also available. RTK 2, for on subscription fees. Print media depends on independent market research, which prevents media example, is a public channel that broadcasts only advertisements for its income. Online outlets’ outlets from using such data to better position in Serbian. Other local outlets also broadcast in themselves in the market. However, individual media Serbian, including Radio Kim, which is located in Private media primarily rely on advertising outlets do conduct market research for internal use a Serb-populated municipality. RTK1 also provides revenue, while NGO media have to apply and to help attract advertising companies. Relevant broadcasting time to other minority groups, such regularly for funding from international Internet statistics can also be easily checked thanks as the Turkish and Roma communities. Most to Google analytics and similar Internet services mainstream media are based in Pristina, but they donors. such as Alexa. provide local news as well, with some even boasting local correspondents. International news is always financial situations are varied; some are efficient Independent media are well-managed included in the daily news, in national media as well and self-sustaining enterprises thanks to high page businesses, allowing editorial independence. as in local media. clicks. Community media survives because of BUSINESS MANAGEMENT INDICATORS project-based financing, with international donors ▶▶Media outlets and ▶▶Independent media and some local funders supplying the money. supporting firms operate do not receive OBJECTIVE 4: Market research is underdeveloped and as efficient, professional, government subsidies. BUSINESS 2.36 rarely used to enhance advertising revenues. This and profit-generating MANAGEMENT businesses. ▶▶Market research is is also true for broadcast ratings and circulation used to formulate figures, which, primarily, each individual media ▶▶Media receive revenue strategic plans, Media sustainability remains a grave concern. outlet compiles and largely for internal use. The from a multitude enhance advertising of sources. revenue, and tailor The majority of media outlets do not necessarily majority of media outlets seek out advertisers on products to the have sound financial models that would an individual basis, rather than through advertising ▶▶Advertising agencies and needs and interests allow them to sustain themselves and remain companies. Smaller, more niche media have related industries support of audiences. an advertising market. independent. Public media has guaranteed state difficulties accessing such advertisers. The national ▶▶Broadcast ratings funding, which gives it a financial advantage and local governments are among the biggest ▶▶Advertising revenue as and circulation a percentage of total over private media, in addition to being able advertisers in Kosovo, although panelists noted that figures are reliably revenue is in line with and independently to sell advertising time. To avoid impeding the government advertising is not distributed fairly. Other accepted standards at produced. development of the commercial media sector, major advertisers include private banks, insurance commercial outlets. public media is allowed to sell six minutes of companies, and real estate companies. advertising airtime per hour, half of the allowance International companies operating in Kosovo, for commercial media. Despite its generous such as banks and insurance companies, tend income, the public broadcaster possesses a high to produce better ads in comparison to local public debt and is often accused of misman- companies. Nevertheless, all commercial spots must agement of its funds. comply with the rules established by the IMC and related laws. As the public broadcaster, RTK creates The government provides no subsidies for private business plans, while private media are not legally

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OBJECTIVE 5: of years, there has been a decrease in research Supporting institutions function in the SUPPORTING 2.63 and publications produced by NGOs that examine professional interests of independent media. INSTITUTIONS different aspects of media freedoms. For example, in the past there were studies of media coverage and SUPPORTING INSTITUTIONS INDICATORS: The Association of Kosovo Independent analysis, studies of whether government advertising ▶▶Trade associations ▶▶Quality journalism Electronic Media represents private media is disseminated properly and fairly across all media, represent the interests degree programs of private media that provide by protecting the interests of most broadcast and studies on potential funding sources for the owners and provide substantial practical outlets. There is nothing similar, however, for public broadcaster. member services. experience exist. print or online media. Professional journalist University journalism programs are offered ▶▶Professional ▶▶Printing facilities associations exist and aim to protect journalists’ in the public University of Prishtina and in private associations are in private rights and promote quality journalism, in both colleges, but only in Albanian. The public university work to protect hands, apolitical, the Albanian and Serbian communities. The main offers degrees in journalism only at the bachelor journalists’ rights. and unrestricted. group is the Association of Kosovo Journalists level; postgraduate programs have been suspended ▶▶Short-term training ▶▶Channels of media (AGK), which is particularly vocal in its efforts to because of the lack of academic staff. In addition, and in-service distribution (kiosks, monitor and condemn attacks against journalists. the University of Pristina lacks the technological training programs transmitters, Internet) allow journalists to are private, apolitical, This year, AGK has also been more active in infrastructure (computer lab, equipment for media upgrade skills or and unrestricted. organizing street actions and protests, as well production, etc.) that would benefit the program and acquire new skills. ▶▶Information and as conducting trainings for journalists and enable students to learn and practice their skills. The ▶▶Sources of newsprint communication researching the media environment in Kosovo. journalism department at the University of Prishtina NGOs support technology­ infra- However, AGK is not a typical trade union that free speech and structure sufficiently would advocate for and safeguard the rights of Emerging issues with online media include independent media. meets the needs of media and citizens. journalists in the workplace. where to publish corrections, where to

Print and online outlets can raise their concerns to publish complaints, how to deal with photo the Press Council of Kosovo. The council, however, is copyrights, and what are the regulations journalism students and working journalists. Working mostly focused on ensuring that its members uphold regarding video content. journalists, however, often do not attend trainings, ethical standards. Around 90 percent of its members either because of a lack of personal interest or a are online media, which is a significant change from did host an international conference on May 3, 2017, lack of support from employers. its original intent to serve print media. The council coinciding with World Press Freedom Day, which There is no government pressure to control needs to review its statute and rules of procedure, brought a large number of academics and researchers or monopolize media distribution, nor are there the panelists said. Its main working documents and from across the globe together for three days. This government restrictions on importing and guidelines need to be amended and expanded to was a great learning opportunity for students. purchasing materials the media need to do their include the specificities of dealing with complaints There are also a number of independent work. Finances remain the major constraint. Despite directed at online media. Emerging issues with online trainings, programs, seminars, and conferences relatively low budgets, most media organizations media include where to publish corrections, where to on journalism and media organized by public and have embraced the digital revolution. Many outlets publish complaints, how to deal with photo copyrights, private universities, as well as by local and interna- provide live coverage of events and live streaming and what are the regulations regarding video content. tional NGOs. A few of them have focused on the on their YouTube channels. Overall, the information Overall, NGOs support freedom of speech and opportunities and challenges resulting from rapid communications and technology infrastructure in the independent media. However, over the past couple technological changes. They predominantly attract country meets the needs of the media industry.

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List of Panel Participants Kreshnik Gashi, editor, Balkan Investigative Research Network, Pristina Shkelqim Hysenaj, president, Association of Kosovo Journalists, Pristina Besa Luci, editor in chief, Kosovo 2.0 Blog, Pristina Visar Hoti, program director, TV Tema, Ferizaj; representative of the Kosovo Association of Independent Electronic Media Remzije Shahini, Hoxhaj, lecturer of journalism, University of Prishtina, Pristina Flutura Kusari, media law expert, Pristina Gazmend Syla, news director, Klan Kosova TV, Pristina Goran Avramovic, editor in chief, Radio Kim, Gracanica Kushtrim Ahmeti, TV reporter, Koha Vision, Pristina

Author Jeton Mehmeti, policy analyst, Institute for Advanced Studies GAP, Pristina

Moderators Jeton Mehmeti, policy analyst, Institute for Advanced Studies GAP, Pristina Antigona Lucaj, researcher, Institute for Advanced Studies GAP, Pristina

The Kosovo chapter was coordinated and conducted in partnership with the Institute for Advanced Studies GAP.

The panel discussion was convened on December 19, 2017.

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