1 administration. police imposed autonomy, ofits abolition when after Serbian underdirect placed was Kosovo attention of1989-99, to special the with transitionalperiod system, one-party editorsis compared to current thatThe situationthe pre-war during of Kosovar context. inhistorical placed have been they also issues, these understand better Inorder to professional consideredand analysed. situation were also ofeditors education and The addressed. situation andthe editors’ haveof the media been aspects political economic and Thelegal, ofthis research. question the leading was of editorstheir media the integrity inprotecting tors The inKosovo. role of contracts. ployment andthe ofthem majority work em without standards, byKosovo even derpaid are un and editors interferenceeconomic journalists andpressure. Kosovar and political to both tendency apersistent from or de facto unprotected tected 2 serious problem. serious However, implementation press. andafree continues poor a its to be of speech offreedom which guarantees provide European andinternational standards, This report presents the findings of a study on the situation of media edi ofa study onthe findings media presents thesituation of This report 19022 ments/ Analizë ligjore,2016. krahasimore Available ekornizës http://www.indep.info/docu - at: nëKosovë - Ejupi Liria eshprehjes dhe andAbazi, eushtrimit tëprofesionit tëgazetarisë tent/uploads/2015 ” endeproblematik, medieve, së elirisë nëfushën Koha Ditore, “Zbatimi ilegjislacionit gazetarise% 2.0, on Kosovo’s -Kosovo Glocal byKosovo and, p.12.Commissioned conditions freedom media UBO 4 May 2016, p.2. Kosovo has relatively good media legislation that generallyinlinewith legislation is media relatively has Kosovo good by MEDIA INTEGRITY PROTECTION IN KOSOVO THE EDITORS’ ROLE IN INTRODUCTION AMID POOR RULE OF LAW PROFESIONAL INTEGRITY THE STRUGGLE FOR ISUF BERISHA ÇOHU Consulting, Consulting, and Kosovo Press Council. 2015. Council. Press andKosovo Available- http://presscouncil-ks.org/wp-con at: 20 20 _Liria% ne%20 1 As a consequence, journalists and editors are left poorly pro poorly are left andeditors journalists aconsequence, As Media Indicators 2015: A thorough a journalists’ study from point of view 2015 /05/Media-Indicators- 2 20 Kosove,%

e%20 shprehjes% 20 analize% 20 dhe%20

. Accessed 4 May 2016. See also . Accessed4May also 2016. See krahasuese.pdf . Accessed15.pdf March 2016. ushtrimit%20 te% 20 profesionit%20 te% 20 - - - -

MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS See 6 See 5 4 3 through (PCK the ofKosovo Council Press ed promot was ofprint media self-regulation opment authorities, to the Kosovar media. cast 42). (Article dom ofthe media editors. current the situation volumes about of Kosovar alonespeaks fact This editors. for delicate the ofKosovar too majority to to discuss be seem our research by addressed issues some intheir admitted interviews, ofthe some respondents As ofeditors. schedules busy ofthe aresult familiar onlyas explained be cannot survey media. 10were with ofKosovar conducted editors current andformer on the Inorder survey. to compensate for this relatively smallsample, interviews did10 to outlets the ofthem questions respond the ofthe chief mainmedia editors with meetings their individual about situation. questions face-to-face Only after tomade through andtelephoneencourage emails calls them the to survey answer low, were efforts very repeated was ofeditors Since the response 60 addresses. sent to some situation editors’ was media ofKosovo aspects onrelevant questions 20 with Aquestionnaire out. were carried major ofmostly itors-in-chief media contains provisions that guarantee freedom ofexpression 40) (Article andfree contains freedom that provisions guarantee after the war of 1999 as a provisional regulator dealt with both print andbroad both with of1999 dealt regulator the war after aprovisional as international standards.

This relatively high hesitancy among targeted respondents to participate in this in this participate to targeted respondents among This relatively hesitancy high Accessed 18 March 2016. INDEP%20-%20The%20State%20of%20the%20Media%20in%20Kosovo%202015.pdf. the Media in Kosovo 2015, 2015. 00.htm. Accessed 5 March 2016. 17Kosovo, June Available 2000. http://www.unmikonline.org/regulations/2000/reg36- at: UNMIK Accessed 5March 2016. 1%20 mon/docs/Constitution Constitution Available of the of Kosovo. Republic http://www.kuvendikosoves.org/com- at: _­STU­% Available at: bythe onHuman Subcommittee ofthe 2014. European Parliament. Commissioned Rights al.,Freedom ofMedia et Brogi in Western p.32. , European Parliament, See Balkans The Office of by established was Commissioner Media that Temporary European/ with andgenerallyaligned rather is new legislation media Kosovo 1 ed with ofandinterviews Asurvey parts. intwo conducted was This research site Available ofthe ofKosovo. Council Press http://presscouncil-ks.org/. at: Available http://www.osce.org/kosovo/ at: 46679 Accessed 5March 2016. THE LEGAL SITUATION OF EDITORS , OSCE 282014 , Regulation No. 2000/36, On the Licensing and Regulation of Broadcast Media in Media ofBroadcast No.2000/36, Onthe Licensing andRegulation , Regulation 5 Later on, in a process of transferring responsibility for media devel for media responsibility oftransferring on,inaprocess Later Mission welcomes formation of Kosovo Press Council , 10 ofKosovo August Mission formation 2005. Press OSCE welcomes ­%29534982. Accessed18 INDEP _EN.pdf March also 2016. See STUD http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/etudes/ 3 First ofall,the Constitution oftheKosovo Republic of%20 4

Available http://www.indep.info/documents/71012_ at: the%20 20 Republic% . Accessed 5 March 2016. See also the web. Accessed 5March also - 2016. See ) from 2005. ) from of%20 Kosovo.pdf. 6 Onthe other hand, /2014 /534982 , The State of The State UNMIK ­ /EXPO - - - - -

CONTRACTS. WITHOUT EMPLOYMENT OF THEM WORK AND THE MAJORITY KOSOVO STANDARDS, UNDERPAID EVEN BY AND EDITORS ARE KOSOVAR JOURNALISTS

THE STRUGGLE FOR PROFESIONAL INTEGRITY MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS THE EDITORS’ ROLE IN MEDIA INTEGRITY PROTECTION IN KOSOVO AMID POOR RULE OF LAW 2 18 work of Kosovar journalists andeditors. journalists work ofKosovar to the vital andfor quality being for its both praised was to PublicDocuments Code of Kosovo Print Media. ofKosovo Code adopted the Law on the Protection of Journalism Sources. of on Journalism the the Protection Law adopted oftheresult momentum bythis pressure, in2013 created the Assembly Kosovo ( See 12 See 11 10 9 8 7 definedbyIMC Policy “the Broadcasting of that policy thevisions regulate broadcasting However, editors. ofmedia IMC andrights sponsibilities were ultimately provisions these altogether. removed tions, 38). (Article court bythe their sources whenasked to reveal andeditors obligation ofjournalists criminalisation ofdefamation (Article the 37) and the whichnal code, affirmed Commission. Media onIndependent bythe Law are regulated media broadcast the Kosovar media community and support from international media organisa international from community media andsupport media the Kosovar Television of Kosovo on Radio bythe Law regulated is broadcasting In addition,publicservice 14 13 IMC

Current media legislation does not contain specific provisions on the provisions re not contain specific does Current legislation media assembly-kosova.org/common/docs/ligjet/Criminal%20Code.pdf. Accessed 5March 2016. assembly-kosova.org/common/docs/ligjet/Criminal%20Code.pdf. No.04/L-082, 2012. AvailableCode oftheKosovo, Republic Code http://www. Criminal at: 1440595669ks.org/materiale/dokument/ .437 IMC wp-content/uploads/2015 PCK Accessed 5March 2016. of%20Kosova.pdf. www.kuvendikosoves.org/common/docs/ligjet/Law%20on%20Radio%20Television%20 No.04/L-046,Law Television OnRadio 29March ofKosovo, 2012. Available http:// at: http://kpm-ks.org/materiale/dokument/1335250709.2603.pdf. Accessed 5March 2016. 2March No.04/L-044, Commission, 2012. AvailableLaw Media Onthe Independent at: Kosovo media legislation was seriously challenged in 2012 with the new pe the in2012 with new challenged seriously was legislation media Kosovo 2724 net/ActDocumentDetail.aspx?ActID= 2010. No.03/L–215,Law Available OnAccess http://gzk.rks-gov. to PublicDocuments, at: the%20 20 kuvendikosoves.org/common/docs/ligjet/Law% No.04/L-137, 2013.Law Available Sources, http://www. ofJournalism Onthe Protection at: vo-new-law-puts-media-freedom-risk Freedom at Risk,” 27 June 2012. Available https://www.hrw.org/news/2012 at: Human Watch,Accessed 5March also 2016. Rights See Media Puts Law New “Kosovo: Media-freedom-and-integrity-in-the-Western-Balkans-Recent-developments.pdf March 2015. AvailablePaper series, http://balkanfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2015 at: , Recent developments in theWestern Balkans: and integrity Media freedom the Balkans, 71 http://www.kas.de/wf/en/ in KosovoMedia freedom . Available Balkanmedia, at: . Accessed 6March also 2016.pdf See 29 March 2012. Available at: ofKosovo Journalists in theMedia, ofProfessional and theRoleExpression oftheAssociation ) Code of Conduct for Audio-visual Media Services inKosovo. Services for Media ofConduct Audio-visual ) Code , Code of Conduct for Audiovisual Media Services in Kosovo. Available in Kosovo. at: Services for of Conduct Audiovisual Media , Code , Kodi i Mediave të Shkruara të Kosovës. Available http://www.presscouncil-ks.org/ të Kosovës. at: të iMediave , Kodi Shkruara UNDP 20 journalism% , Action Paper on Association of Professional Journalists in Journalists Action Kosovo: ofProfessional Freedom of Paper onAssociation 11 Thanks to a sustained, well organised advocacy campaign by campaign advocacy well organised to asustained, Thanks ( RTK . Accessed 5March 2016. sources.pdf /04 ). .13602 8 Self-regulation of the print media is based on the on the based is of the print media Self-regulation 20 http://www.apjk.org/repository/docs/Action_Papers% /Press-Code-for-Kosovo_alb.pdf. Accessed 5March 2016./Press-Code-for-Kosovo_alb.pdf. 9 There is also an Independent Media Commission Commission Media anIndependent Thereis also . Accessed 6 March 2016. See also European Fund/. Accessed6March also 2016. for See . Accessed 5March 2016. . Accessed 5March 2016. shall be in accordance with recognized shall recognized in with be accordance .doc 14

. Accessed 5March 2016. on%20 IMC . Article 9 specifies that 9 specifies . Article the%20 Law does contain pro does Law 13 The Law on The Access 12 Furthermore, a as 20 protection% 10 /0627 www.kpm- /koso of%20 Ang. /03 - - - - - 7 .

EDITORS. AND RIGHTS OF MEDIA RESPONSIBILITIES PROVISIONS ON THE NOT CONTAIN SPECIFIC LEGISLATION DOES CURRENT MEDIA

THE STRUGGLE FOR PROFESIONAL INTEGRITY MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS THE EDITORS’ ROLE IN MEDIA INTEGRITY PROTECTION IN KOSOVO AMID POOR RULE OF LAW 3 18 years in.” senior political positions years three (3) inthat thelast “Chief Editor 35 shouldArticle specifies nothaveserved the appointment ofRTK anddismissal of theTV oftheDirector ontherecommendation following public based job advertisement that Chief “each Editorforesees shall appointed bytheRTK be the electronic media, provides each natural and legal person with theright of re natural each with person and provides legal the electronic media, that “ specifies Law 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 .” ply and clarification thatifies “the .“ expression of ofthefreedom and theprotection andoflaw fordemocracy therule respect AVMS theEuropean and Commission Directive especially islation EU therelevant and human standards, international broadcasting rights accordance with the procedures set forth in the Statute ofRTK in theStatute setforth theprocedures with accordance balanced and.” impartial balanced ofRTK policy the “editorial broadcaster.content ofthe publicservice states that Paragraph 8ofthis article andprogramme policy onthe editorial provisions Kosovo contains Law detailed and other senior editors atand other editors the senior publicbroadcaster. for appointment ofthe procedures editor-in-chief anddismissal that specify thewhich appointment regulates ofRTK or to respond to broadcasted information. to broadcasted or to respond 35Article ofIMC Serbian language as well as thedirector of theradio well as .” as language Serbian

Ibid. Ibid. Ibid. Ibid.

Ibid. of%20 20 www.kuvendikosoves.org/common/docs/ligjet/Law% No.04/L-046,Law Television OnRadio 29March ofKosovo, 2012. Available http:// at: Accessed 5March 2016. Kosova.pdf. vendikosoves.org/common/docs/ligjet/Law%20on%20Radio%20Television%20of%20 No. 04/L-046,Law Television On Radio 2012. Available of Kosovo, http://www.ku at: - http://kpm-ks.org/materiale/dokument/1335250709.2603.pdf. Accessed 5March 2016. 2March No.04/L-044, Commission, 2012. AvailableLaw Media Onthe Independent at: http://kpm-ks.org/materiale/dokument/1335250709. Accessed5March 2016..2603.pdf 2March No.04/L-044, Commission, 2012. AvailableLaw Media Onthe Independent at: Both Both . Accessed 5March 2016. Kosova.pdf IMC channel in and Albanian thedirector oftheTV language 15 Inthe samemanner, 18 Article ofthe law Television onRadio of Law andRTK Law RTK Law provides for the right to correct broadcasted information, for broadcasted the to provides right correct Law Chief Editor shall bytheRTK dismissed be RTK 23 in accordance with the law and of conduct the code the law for in with accordance 16 This law on This containsconditions also provisions for Law also contain a guarantee ofthe to contain right reply. also aguarantee Law shall fair, independent, be objective, professional, 20 In addition, Paragraph 6 of this article spec Inaddition,Paragraph 6ofthis article management 31). (Article management, also contains also provisions management, 22 In line with this, Article 10 Article ofRTK this, Inlinewith 18 on%20 Paragraph 5 of this article Paragraph 5 of this article 19 The same paragraph of paragraph Thesame 20 Radio% General Director in General Director .” General Director General Director 21

17 Television%20 , having full full , having channel in Article 35, Article leg - - -

BROADCASTER. EDITORS AT THE PUBLIC AND OTHER SENIOR THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND DISMISSAL OF FOR APPOINTMENT SPECIFY PROCEDURES PROVISIONS THAT ALSO CONTAINS RTK MANAGEMENT, APPOINTMENT OF REGULATES THE ARTICLE 35,WHICH

THE STRUGGLE FOR PROFESIONAL INTEGRITY MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS THE EDITORS’ ROLE IN MEDIA INTEGRITY PROTECTION IN KOSOVO AMID POOR RULE OF LAW 4 18 jobs. Indeed, according Indicators 2015, to Indeed, Media only33 percent of175jobs. jour their lose will they uponthis issue that speak andeditors ifthey of journalists of journalists. During 2015, During for example, ofthreats to there Kosovar were 27 cases of journalists. problems related ofthe to serious the working conditions apart andsafety least of the members of this organisationof the work members employment without contracts. 30 some ofKosovo, percent of Journalists the representative ofthe Association According nothave Shabani, employment does contracts. to Zekirja journalists without contracts. without are to ready andeditors admitthat are working that they fact notalljournalists inmindthe percentage, according ifwebear higher to even Shabani, could be 25 24 outlet to work for leave this another media broadcaster.euro ifthey RTV For contracts. the ofthese example, quality current employment at contracts Another for problem their is editors-in-chief. prefer even contracts one year to seems Onthe other media hand,private employment contracts. permanent and did not have outlets contracts. forworked small media Yet had whenthey contracts. ployment cases earlier ofthem some reported do have em in our survey that participated newspapers and daily broadcasters sinceat alleditors the main ofonlineportals, andespecially media small, local 22 percent didnothave thesituation thatto of reflect seems information. This while that employment did not have contracts, of them they regular declared have 45 percent employment contracts; inthis survey that participated nalists mentation ofexisting laws. between editors and their media organisations are based on Labour Law. onLabour organisations are and their based media editors between namely, andrights; oftheir mutualregulation responsibilities contractual relations 28 27 26 Ibid.

Poor implementation of the laws also seems to be main reason behind, or at orat behind, Poor mainreason to implementation be seems ofthe laws also 19022 documents/ Kosovë -Analizë ligjore , 2016. krahasimore Available ekornizës http://www.indep.info/ at: në Ejupi Liria eshprehjes also dhe andAbazi, 2016. eushtrimit tëprofesionitgazetarisë See p. 8.Available http://www.osce.org/kosovo/ at: 122390. Accessed 12March ?download=true Freedom inKosovo, ofMedia Mission in ofJournalists OSCE Kosovo and Safety , June 2014, 2010 mon/docs/ligjet/ No.03/L–212, OnLabour,Law 2010. Available http://www.kuvendikosoves.org/com- at: However, imple butpoor vacuum, the notalegal mainproblem is inKosovo refer andtheir editors owners to other with laws whendealing media Kosovar Interview with Agim Binaku, desk chief Binaku,desk editor, Agim with Interview RTV ofthe Tribuna daily editor former 5April 2016., Pristina, and ofKosovo ofJournalists ofthe Shabani, chairman Association Zekirja with Interview ” 4May 2016,atik, p.2. endeproblem- medieve, së elirisë nëfushën Koha Ditore, also “Zbatimi ilegjislacionit See te% contain an article that obliges journalists and editors to pay andeditors 6,000 back 21contain that anarticle journalists obliges 20 gazetarise% 20 27 20 _Liria% The reason for this hesitation seems to be fear on the part onpart be the fear to seems for hesitation this The reason ne%20 -212 . Accessed 5March 2016. -eng.pdf 20 Kosove,% e%20 25 Forpercentage example, of asignificant Kosovar shprehjes% 20 analize% 20 dhe%20 . Accessed 4May 2016. krahasuese.pdf , Pristina, 6April 2016. 21,Pristina, ushtrimit%20 te% RTK 20 editors have editors profesionit%20 28

24 26 This This - - - BROADCASTER. WORK FOR ANOTHER MEDIA OUTLET TO IF THEY LEAVE THIS EURO 6,000 BACK EDITORS TO PAY JOURNALISTS AND ARTICLE THAT OBLIGES RTV 21 CONTAIN AN CONTRACTS AT EMPLOYMENT IN-CHIEF. CURRENT FOR THEIR EDITORS- CONTRACTS EVEN PREFER ONE YEAR MEDIA SEEMS TO OTHER HAND, PRIVATE CONTRACTS. ON THE EMPLOYMENT HAVE PERMANENT RTK EDITORS

THE STRUGGLE FOR PROFESIONAL INTEGRITY MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS THE EDITORS’ ROLE IN MEDIA INTEGRITY PROTECTION IN KOSOVO AMID POOR RULE OF LAW 5 18 number of threats to Kosovar journalists and editors may indeed be even high even be may andeditors indeed journalists ofthreats tonumber Kosovar sent to prosecutors and courts, they get lost in their enormous workload. in their enormous lost get they andcourts, sent to prosecutors make study visits to the USA make study visits training. to in-service provide designed established, also Institute was 35 34 33 32 Ibid. 31 30 29 the after war.in Kosovo at Almost the same time as that agencies operated donorsandgovernmental s, NGO media organisations, international byvarious andeditors journalists for Kosovar organised all kinds of numerous there trainingprogrammes have been period ing this post-war cases. media adequatelyto with deal donothave training and judges proper prosecutors police, Kosovo tion to this, (AJK of Kosovo of Journalists her to the Association threats madeto offrequent submittingtor-in-chief cases stopped ofthe Zëri daily Forer, edi example Xharra, Arbana cases. these since notallofthem report andeditors. journalists journalists’ association to recent her by some Islamic extremists. threats against association journalists’ with by in doing this lackanymore, this the of sincereaction she dissatisfied is Institute andCommunication ofJournalism (KIJAC 2005, In the Kosovo studies. to offerjournalism have colleges private begun ThePublic anda inKosovo. few andeditors University ofPristina journalists and editors. on journalists and attacks reasonable period of time with cases that have been waiting for justice. that Inaddi waiting have been cases oftimewith period reasonable within nothave a simplycapacity to deal the does judiciary The Kosovar years. that accumulating have for been cases with are overloaded courts Kosovo in journalism andcommunication studies. in journalism

Ibid. Ibid. A number of Kosovar journalists and editors have to andeditors hadthe opportunity journalists ofKosovar A number . Accessed 12March 2016.ists-under-pressure - 2016. Available http://mediaobservatory.net/investigative-journalism/balkan-journal at: underpressure,” journalists andHamidi, “Balkan Xharra SEE Available http://www.osce.org/kosovo/ at: 122390. Accessed12March 2016.?download=true Freedom inKosovo, ofMedia Mission in ofJournalists OSCE Kosovo and Safety , June 2014. 1April 2016., Pristina, editor-in-chief, Zëri daily Xharra, Arbana with Interview ofthe Tribuna daily editor former 5April 2016., Pristina, and ofKosovo ofJournalists ofthe Shabani, chairman Association Zekirja with Interview Since 1999 there have been significant developments in the education of Since in 1999the developments significant there have been 2 of threats against cases allsubmitted claimsthat with police Kosovo it deals In addition to these schools for the formal education of journalists, dur ofjournalists, for the education formal schools In additionto these THE EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS OF EDITORS 29 Most of these cases were serious threats to life. were serious cases ofthese Most and European countries, where they visited well visited where they andEuropean countries, 35 33 However, are then cases when these ). ) started anMA ) started 31 She does not see any point any point notsee Shedoes Media Observatory, 29 January 29January Observatory, Media KIJAC , the Kosovo Media , the Media Kosovo programme programme 30 The The 34 32 - - - -

AND NEWSPAPERS. KNOWN BROADCASTERS THEY VISITED WELL COUNTRIES, WHERE USA AND EUROPEAN STUDY VISITS TO THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE EDITORS HAVE HAD THE JOURNALISTS AND A NUMBER OF KOSOVAR

THE STRUGGLE FOR PROFESIONAL INTEGRITY MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS THE EDITORS’ ROLE IN MEDIA INTEGRITY PROTECTION IN KOSOVO AMID POOR RULE OF LAW 6 18 trained through informal education for the job they perform. perform. for thethey through job education informal trained andare well education formal have oruseful adequate inoursurvey ipated andItalian. Spanish German, include that editors of these by some are spoken languages Other Bosnian. Serbian/Croatian/ speak of Themajority them also mainforeign language. his outlets. andother media broadcasters organisations, media universities, known bywell- inintensive organised trainingcourses participated where they tries, to the to USA make studyhad the opportunity visits media ofthe chief the mainKosovar editors remaining six European countries, East andother that inKosovo South intrainingcourses pated were organised partici editors senior Whilefour ofthese trainingprogrammes. invarious ed administration, oneinlaw, inEnglish. adegree with onegraduated andthe last andpublic science oneinpolitical twoineconomics, ofjournalism, a school from onehadgraduated hadcompleted onlybachelor far studies, who so those Four anMA finished ies. ofthem hadalso operations. ards ofthe profession andinmedia international andstand to practices information best about exposed have been andeditors journalists Kosovo ofstudy andtraining, programmes and informal both Throughformal studies. andjournalism media to undertake portunities However,leges. onecould op say hadbetter the war that after youngKosovars ( andCardiff University (Norway) ofJournalism Gimlekollen School ic parents, ing at For andtraining. example, and teach programmes the ofprogrammes quality improvisation, to top showy quality quick, from tions andorganisations varied editors institu bymentioned the and above journalists offered to Kosovar was practises. best from improve bylearning andprofessional skills their knowledge organisations inorder andother to media andnewspapers broadcasters known rapidly improvised study programmes launched by some Kosovar private col private Kosovar bysome launched study programmes rapidly improvised salary was 500 euro, while others admitted that their wages were between 500 500 euro,whileothers that admitted were was between their wages salary that his 1,000and1,500 euro.Oneresponded between ranged monthly wages that their responded ofthe inour survey Only three 10 that editors participated UK So, onecould say thatSo, that partic media ofthe the major editors Kosovar that except English, French speak onewhoresponded editors All these was have editors participat allofthese When itcomes to education, informal hadcompleted bachelor stud toAll 10oursurvey that editors responded to say,Needless that the education andinformal the formal ofboth quality Journalists and editors of Kosovar media are underpaid for the job they do. for the they are job underpaid media of Kosovar and editors Journalists 3 THE ECONOMIC SITUATION OF EDITORS ), which also provided teaching staff, cannot be compared with be thatcompared cannot of the teaching staff, provided ), which also KIJAC , which was established with direct support from its two academ its from support direct with established , which was in journalism and media studies. Of studies. andmedia injournalism and west European coun andwest ------MEDIA STUDIES. MA IN JOURNALISM AND HAD ALSO FINISHED AN STUDIES. FOUR OF THEM COMPLETED BACHELOR TO OUR SURVEY HAD THAT RESPONDED ALL 10EDITORS

THE STRUGGLE FOR PROFESIONAL INTEGRITY MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS THE EDITORS’ ROLE IN MEDIA INTEGRITY PROTECTION IN KOSOVO AMID POOR RULE OF LAW 7 18 do nothave employment contracts. and online media who work for that local the of journalists majority believed is left this newspa left Sot andotherof daily Bota staff the percent ofthe journalists Fornot pay example, 2014, their salaries. intheJanuary editor-in-chief and 90 40 39 38 37 36 influence in service. the public political against test pro andopenly havehadthe contracts ployment courage they toorganised get tracts, con work or one-year contracts at with without and editors most journalists insecurity, ofjob that in mindthe the prevalence fact the ofKosovar majority editor,to role his as at college. alecturer Bearing aprivate workingas hewas that mentioned only source ofincome. inaddition Onlyoneofourrespondents that were their their for salaries declared this research orwere interviewed vey by goingthrough the court. to13 get months ofunpaid salary are trying colleagues Nowheandhis tracts. con without worked thattor-in-chief journalists admits heandhis Sot ofBota for paid months. hadnotbeen they because per that worknalists TV for oneofthe mainKosovar According to for another youngjour editor-in-chief, former the current salary month. ofonly250 europer contract without andfor salary portal, of anews editor-in-chief that admitted as one editor years he hadonce for worked six For example, andonline media. outlets media working for smalllocal editors and the situation to be ofjournalists Even believed is worse and journalists. situation theeditors financial of other onlyimagine one can outlets, media ofmajor Kosovar andother editors chief desk senior editors editors-in-chief, month. inmindthat here and 1,000europer Ifwekeep weareabout talking conditions are rare, andwhy onlyinRTK these with dissatisfaction ofopen situation. It why clear cases thus becomes

Ibid.

ment contracts. tent/uploads/2015/05/Media-Indicators-2015.pdf. Accessed 15 March 2016. , Pristina, editor-in-chief former Sot ofthe Bota Morina, daily Bajrush with Interview Only journalists and editors who work for the public service RTK whowork for andeditors the publicservice Only journalists 29 March 2016. , Pristina, editor-in-chief former Sot ofthe Bota Morina, daily Bajrush with Interview 2.0, on Kosovo’s -Kosovo Glocal byKosovo and, p.12.Commissioned conditions freedom media UBO 29 March 2016. It should be stressed that almost all the editors who participated inoursur that whoparticipated It allthe editors almost stressed should be 40 ÇOHU Consulting, Consulting, then it is understandable why they hesitate even to talk about their to about talk hesitate why even then understandable it is they and Kosovo Press Council. 2015. Council. Press andKosovo Available- http://presscouncil-ks.org/wp-con at: Media Indicators 2015: A thorough a journalists’ study from point of view 39 37 This is why media owners sometimes do sometimes owners is why This media where editors have em where editors permanent 38 channels only150 is euro. Bajrush Morina, former edi former Morina, Bajrush have employ permanent 36 It It ------1,500 EURO. MONTH. ONLY 250 EURO PER AND FOR SALARY OF WITHOUT CONTRACT OF A NEWS PORTAL, AS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF WORKED FOR SIX YEARS THAT HE HAD ONCE ONE EDITOR ADMITTED BETWEEN 1,000AND WAGES RANGED THAT THEIR MONTHLY SURVEY RESPONDED PARTICIPATED IN OUR THE 10 EDITORS THAT DO. ONLY THREE OF FOR THE JOB THEY MEDIA ARE UNDERPAID EDITORS OF KOSOVAR JOURNALISTS AND

THE STRUGGLE FOR PROFESIONAL INTEGRITY MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS THE EDITORS’ ROLE IN MEDIA INTEGRITY PROTECTION IN KOSOVO AMID POOR RULE OF LAW 8 18 journalists who protested against management’s against whoprotested inthejournalists in interventions editorial Union ofRTK Tradethe Independent Union ofRTK formal request for protection orsupport. for protection request formal of the part ofthe owner,the part threats to including direct ofpressure, forms even various on orattemptpolicy whiletherethat, notendency is toeditorial influence her However, independence. editorial of full explained two chief editors oneofthese had thatexperience confirmed they editors andformer editors Only twoofthese even moreserious. is itors regarding attemptspolicy to influenceeditorial their ed that andits the situation media sample ofthe andrevealed Kosovar modest “not atreplied all.” from data the this confirmed editors with In-depth interviews “to to with this extent”, question some ed little”, “very onewith one whilethe last pressure; four others respond the from inevitable could defend their journalists and independence editorial full that enjoyed they reported inour survey ipated whopartic onlyfour editors outof10 major media oftheir journalists, integrity how much andprofessional are able independence they to defend the editorial about to our question Inresponse the media. outside from andgroups viduals indi sure andinterference andpowerful management both and/orowners from party. ruling of the andofficials the about activities terest offavourable reporting 42 41 threats made against herbyIslamicextremists. threats madeagainst torecent some to respond since itfailed disappointment this association, with happy AJK with However, relatedthreats orattacks to their work. whoare not there are people pressure, report statements members indefence its ofthe profession whenever public byissuing It responds usually years. twoorthree the last during visible The AJK of journalists. of international associations while two others are members of this association, areour research members Four inpublic. in moreandvisible ofthe active 10be whoparticipated editors ( Kosovo the of Union ofJournalists journalists, ofKosovar there are twoassociations the journalists andother workers ofRTK the journalists there are twotradeunionsthat represent Nevertheless, journalists. of allKosovar

AJK However, , Pristina, 1April 2016., Pristina, editor-in-chief, Zëri daily Xharra, Arbana with Interview former editor ofthe Tribuna daily editor former 5April 2016., Pristina, and ofKosovo ofJournalists ofthe Shabani, chairman Association Zekirja with Interview Editors of Kosovar media donothave organisation. their However, media own Editors ofKosovar 4 There is no trade union to represent the professional interests and labour rights Thereis notradeunion rights to represent the professionallabour interests and THE PROFESSIONAL SITUATION OF EDITORS , this is because the association reacts only when its members submita members onlywhenits reacts the association because , this is UJK ) and the Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AJK ofKosovo ofJournalists ) andthe Association RTK Workers 60RTK some quite insupporting active was , expressed her editor-in-chief, expressed ofthe Zëri daily Xharra, . Arbana editors and journalists are not alone in their experience of pres and journalists editors Workers. year, Last Trade the Independent , the Trade Union ofRTK 42 41 Yet, according to the chairman has been fairly active and active fairly been has ). Workers and AJK editors and and editors seems to seems ------ALMOST DAILY BASIS. MEDIA OWNERS ON AN INTERVENTIONS BY EDITORIAL THEY EXPERIENCED REVEALED THAT FORMER EDITORS EDITORS AND EXPERIENCE. OTHER ALMOST EVERYDAY LIFE HAD BECOME AN DIRECT THREATS TO EVEN INCLUDING FORMS OF PRESSURE, OWNER, VARIOUS ON THE PART OF THE EDITORIAL POLICY TO INFLUENCE HER TENDENCY OR ATTEMPT WHILE THERE IS NO EXPLAINED THAT, CHIEF EDITORS ONE OF THESE TWO

THE STRUGGLE FOR PROFESIONAL INTEGRITY MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS THE EDITORS’ ROLE IN MEDIA INTEGRITY PROTECTION IN KOSOVO AMID POOR RULE OF LAW 9 18 47 46 owner ofTribunaowner thatplace. taken denied this incident hadever 45 44 43 scene. Firstthe media ofall,RTK of sectors key insome there were setbacks authorities, to thefallen Kosovar had development for media the responsibility on,after Later providers. media amongKosovar boom developmental anunprecedented triggered donors, ous by numer with generous support environment, encouraging together This development. media conditions relatively for free ter provided the good war outside. from power orfinancial political with andgroups orbyindividuals by management/owners either media of Kosovar policy editorial influencing the towards tendency lar the outlets. against situationtest intheir media owner. assaulted by the physically was whenhe conflict, inopen ended decisions itorial ofthatthe owner newspaper. to continuous interference pressure daily andeditorial from subjected had been ofthe Tribuna daily editor as job that previous his clared (2012-2014), during he Shabani de Zekirja basis. daily onanalmost owners bymedia interventions rial edito that experienced they revealed editors andformer editors Other this job. since the experience years she during took everyday an almost life had become been frequently experienced by two other former editors, who resigned in pro who resigned by two other editors, former experienced frequently been constraints on media development in Kosovo since in Kosovo development 1999.years af constraintsfew on media The first

Ibid. See See Ibid. Gashi, “Kosovo”,Gashi, in se-eshte-sulmuar-fizikisht-nga-pronari-demiri-e-ky-e-mohon-kete.html. Accessed 18 2016. April hon këtë,” 2014. Available 8December http://www.kosovalive360.com/gazetari-shabani-thote- at: . Accessed 15 March 2016. kosovos-media-near-sustainability-despite-weaknesses?page=full to Sustainability,” Closer Media 25June 2015. Available http://themediaproject.org/article/ at: 2016 report/nations-transit/ A number of observers and researchers have noted and detected asimi have andresearchers anddetected noted ofobservers A number 65137 zekirja-shabni-sulmohet-fizikash-nga-pronari-i-i-gazetes-tribuna- ’Tribuna’,”gazetës 2014. Available 8December http://www.gazetaexpress.com/lajme/gazetari- at: i pronari nga fizikisht Shabani sulmohet Zekirja , “Gazetari Express For Gazeta example, see ni-sulmohet-fizikisht-nga-pronari-i-gazetes-tribuna-quot/. 15 Accessed ni-sulmohet-fizikisht-nga-pronari-i-gazetes-tribuna-quot/. ’Tribuna’,” 2014.348313 Available 8December http://botasot.info/lajme/ at: gazetës i pronari nga fizikisht Shabani sulmohet Zekirja , “Gazetari Sot Bota March also 2016. See Similar forms of intimidation and editorial meddling by owners had also hadalso byowners meddling ofintimidation forms Similar andeditorial The political political contextThe themain influencemedia overhave andits the formed 5 THE POLITICAL SITUATION OF EDITORS , “Gazetari Shabani thotë se është sulmuar fizikisht nga pronari Demiri, e ky emo- Kosova e Demiri, Live pronari Shabani thotë nga është, “Gazetari se sulmuar fizikisht 44

This incident was widely reported in the Kosovar media. in the Kosovar widely reported was incident This 47 Nations inNations Transit 2016, 2016. Available at:

. Accessed 28 April 2016. See also Miftari, “Kosovo’s AprilMiftari, . Accessed 28 also /kosovo 2016. See 43

According to defend ed to his him,this struggle which until then had been one of the most oneofthe most which until then hadbeen https://freedomhouse.org/ March 2016 /?archive=1 - /gazetari-zekirja-shaba 46 45

However, the . Accessed 15 . Accessed15 . ------

THE STRUGGLE FOR PROFESIONAL INTEGRITY MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS THE EDITORS’ ROLE IN MEDIA INTEGRITY PROTECTION IN KOSOVO AMID POOR RULE OF LAW 10 18 through our survey and interviews with editors from this publicbroadcaster. from editors with andinterviews through our survey broadcaster, 12ofthe RTK of improving the that hope situation no immediate atthere appeared this was researchers. and observers both andlocal foreign by identified have been the media Kosovo 50 49 48 They influenceservice. and of public the instrumentalisation this political pose lic that for years Kosovo Alliance). Kosovo New to sympathetic the(The AKR that reporting wouldprovide policy itorial to promote an ed tried according to of this newspaper him, thefact, owner ly pressure exerted ofthe bythe dai direct owner ofcontinuous, case tioned pressure. For ofpolitical forms example, various the men facing above been have also intimidation commercialical Private media andinstrumentalisation. Commission. at Media the Independent occurring was process ilar on to the RTK Slowlybutsurely, to infiltrate managed people groups. their parties the ruling pressure bythe government andother Kosovo political immune political from suddenlynolonger Europe, was East inSouth publicbroadcasters successful previous report on media ownership and financing in andfinancing Kosovo. ownership onmedia report previous 51

Berisha, Berisha,

Tribuna editor, onits In according motivated. to Shabani, politically was, Unfortunately, This political influencepolitical and onRTK pressure This http://www.osce.org/kosovo/67790?download=true. Accessed 4March 2016. Kosovo, in Mission OSCE April Accessed 28 also 2016. See report/nations-transit/2016/kosovo. “Kosovo”,Gashi, in former editor ofthe Tribuna daily editor former 5April 2016., Pristina, and ofKosovo ofJournalists ofthe Shabani, chairman Association Zekirja with Interview It is a widely shared perception among the media communityIt amongthe andthe perception media shared pub awidely is 6.1 6

2015 uploads/ ÇOHU on Kosovo’s 2.0, -Kosovo Glocal byKosovo and. Commissioned conditions freedom media UBO 20 Media% SEE IN DESPERATE CONDITIONS THE CASE OF RTK: FIGHTING FOR MEDIA INTEGRITY CASE STUDIES Media Observatory, 2015. Available Observatory, Media http://mediaobservatory.net/sites/default/files/ at: Consulting, Media Indicators 2015: Consulting, Athorough ajournalist’s study from point ofview and Kosovo Press Council. 2015. Council. Press andKosovo Available http://presscouncil-ks.org/wp-content/ at: Media ownership and finances in vacuum Legal lack Kosovo: of transparencyand , Circulation and Politicization of the Print Media in Kosovo ofthePrint Circulation and Politicization , 2010. Available at: 20 Ownership% 49 Board, and into its management and senior editorial staff. Asim staff. andinto management editorial andsenior its Board, Some of these have been briefly mentioned or described inour ordescribed mentioned briefly have ofthese been Some 2015 /05/Media-Indicators- RTK 48 RTK A number of other cases of obvious political influence on political ofobvious ofother Anumber cases Nations inNations Transit 2016, 2016. Available https://freedomhouse.org/ at: have been a pro-government media platform. a pro-government media have been is not the only media outlet that is suffering from polit from outletthat suffering notthe is is onlymedia and%20 editors banded together at the beginning of2015 together at to the op beginning banded editors Finances%20 . Accessed15.pdf March 2016. in%20 0 Kosovo_ were once again confirmed were once confirmed again Accessed 3March 2016..pdf. 50

51 When it When it ------12 OF THE RTK EDITORS JOURNALISTS. RTK EDITORS AND BY ABOUT 50 OTHER SUBSEQUENTLY JOINED SERVICE. THEY WERE OF THIS PUBLIC INSTRUMENTALISATION INFLUENCE AND THE TO OPPOSE POLITICAL THE BEGINNING OF 2015 BANDED TOGETHER AT

THE STRUGGLE FOR PROFESIONAL INTEGRITY MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS THE EDITORS’ ROLE IN MEDIA INTEGRITY PROTECTION IN KOSOVO AMID POOR RULE OF LAW 11 18 when the situation looks desperate. Or, desperate. when the situation looks says,” Muhaxhiri as fightOur forthepro day, even mustevery fight of for the professionthe integrity circumstances, inall tothat understand one andjournalists editors these thatmay have ithelped been supported by the Independent Trade bythe Independent supported Union ofRTK also at was instrumentalisation the publicbroadcaster political against campaign against censorship by the editor-in-chief and his deputy and achieved the censorship reagainst bythe editor-in-chief andachieved deputy andhis these were modest achievements. were modest these pressure at RTK the whoinitiated political protest against editors oneofthe 12 Muhaxhiri, Rabisha bymanagement. suspended who hadbeen pro- PDK vide to proplacement their whowere ofthe colleagues pressuring twomaineditors 50 byabout other RTK joined were subsequently 57 56 55 54 53 52 to caution him for began director/owner his in2000, of the Zëri then weekly editor-in-chief appointed According hewas after toperiod. account, his soon throughout the facing post-war have andtheir editors been that media Kosovar ‘episodes’tor repletewith is problems that examples graphic form ofthe varied meninPristina. unidentified by three attacked andbeaten society. even Kosovar In2012, hewas cerning post-war .” ence managementmaking tosomeextent decision occur. they and whenever wecontinueidation remains toinflu active, group Our We ofprofessionalism continues. tection and interference intim workand oppose .” the professionalism ofjournalists had an also on impact oftheprogrammingThe protest improved quality and on and journalists. editors with appointments discussing new been management has atRTK moredebate been “Since Sheexplains: therehas then, er results. many years has been writing without hesitation on most sensitive issues con issues sensitive onmost hesitation without writing been many has years to Muhaxhiri, this protestto bythe Muhaxhiri, RTK influence andinstrumentalisation at RTK political towards

Ibid. Ibid. ist-pristina. Accessed15 Marchist-pristina. 2016. July 2012. Available https://rsf.org/en/news/knife-attack-leading-independent-journal- at: Without “ Knife,”Reporters onleading attack independent in Borders, journalist Pristina 11 RTK department, ofthe news editor editor-in-chief Muhaxhiri, Rabisha with for community andchief programming Interview Koha Ditore, eRTK “Sindikalistët Koha Ditore, të eredaktorë “Gjashtëdhjetë RTK gazetarë Halil Matoshi is a well-known and outspoken journalist and writer whofor andwriter journalist Halil andoutspoken Matoshi awell-known is 6.2 FOR PROFESSIONAL INTEGRITY HALIL MATOSHI – READY TO PAY reporting. They also managed to reinstateeditors managed twoprotesting also They reporting. -së paralajmërojnë radikalizim të protestës,” paralajmërojnë radikalizim -së 2 April 2015, p.7. , Pristina, 6April 2016. 1,Pristina, 54 55 However, the ofthis mainresult campaign She understands that the tendency persists that persists Sheunderstands the tendency editors and journalists also yielded oth yielded also andjournalists editors 57 His long career as journalist andedi journalist as longcareer His

-së kundërdrejtorit,”-së 13 April 2015, p.5. editors andjournalists. editors 56

Workers. . However, according 53 They protested protested They , is aware, is that 52 . Also, . Also, Their Their ------LOOKS DESPERATE. WHEN THE SITUATION CIRCUMSTANCES, EVEN EVERY DAY, IN ALL OF THE PROFESSION FOR THE INTEGRITY ONE MUST FIGHT UNDERSTAND THAT AND JOURNALISTS TO HELPED THESE EDITORS HAVE BEEN THAT IT THE RTK EDITORS MAY THE CAMPAIGN BY THE MAIN RESULT OF

THE STRUGGLE FOR PROFESIONAL INTEGRITY MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS THE EDITORS’ ROLE IN MEDIA INTEGRITY PROTECTION IN KOSOVO AMID POOR RULE OF LAW 12 18 the management/owner. However, according to Matoshi, the following publi column onhis by norestrictions Saturday given He culture was supplement. the Koha (KD hejoined in 2009 Ditore , Express at editor the Gazeta workingfortimeas some After had happened. conference apress andorganised in2006 where what heexplained resigned 30 ofsome alist companieswith that Lajmi him presented Whenthe owner outside. from andgroups individuals powerful more interference from chief. even Here andalso the hefaced from owner the Lajmi daily andin2004 joined resigned subsequently UNMIK’swhen criticising administrator Matoshi at the University ofPristina. “culturalMatoshi’s the phrase hehadused neo-colonialism” because editorial 62 61 60 59 58 independence. editorial pricefor high its very paying been has Zëri this daily. from drawal ofadvertising According well is aware Xharra ofthis. to her, ’scompanies unhappy Zëri with andwith termination is ofcooperation reporting ing 700,000 euro compensation. However, by business reaction thefrequent most by Xharra’s demand Xharra against case Oneofthem alegal submitted articles. herbycompanies that against launched were irritated cases hadlegal also She has Islam. anything she related publishes toIslamic extremists politicised whenever are the More from andaggressive threatsshe receives frequent her writing. with that andgroups were displeased individuals timidation powerful andthreats from ference owners. its from tigative journalism. himto invited continue column. his with newspaper the agesture ofcompromise as inthis episode, What Matoshiment. describes in 2011, and Arts, Academy of a publication by the Kosovar of Sciences critical cation of a review UNMIK towards critical too being corruption, politics, politicised Islam, etc. Her articles are usually based on inves based are usually Her articles Islam, etc. politicised politics, corruption, this newspaper. related topics onsensitive to for herwriting well Sheis known

Ibid. enjoys full editorial independence without any without inter independence editorial full enjoys According Zëri to Xharra, 15 March 2016. http://www.lajmeshqip.com/kultura/matoshi-monografia-kosova-me-morra. Accessed at: me morra,” “Matoshi:Kosova, Lajmeshqip.com, Monografia 2011. September 24 Available , Pristina, 1April 2016., Pristina, editor-in-chief, Zëri daily Xharra, Arbana with Interview Lajmi Halil with Matoshi, andthe editor-in-chief former daily oftheZëri thenInterview weekly Lajmi Halil with Matoshi, andthe editor-in-chief former daily oftheZëri thenInterview weekly Arbana Xharra has become the icon of become editor-in-chief has Xharra The Arbana of daily Zëri the 6.3 ZËRI – THE HIGH PRICE OF EDITORIAL INDEPENDENCE , Pristina, 30 March 2016. andKoha, Pristina, Ditore Express ofGazeta editor , former 30 March 2016. andKoha, Pristina, Ditore Express ofGazeta editor , former 59 he was replaced as editor of the Saturdayeditor as replaced culture supple he was 61 However, she has been experiencing various forms ofin forms However, various experiencing been she has . 58 In 2003, the director stopped publishing stopped the In2003, director ) daily as a columnist and editor ofthe acolumnist andeditor as ) daily should not criticise, Matoshi again should notcriticise, 60 , again as editor-in- as , again 62

------INDEPENDENCE. FOR ITS EDITORIAL VERY HIGH PRICE ZËRI HAS BEEN PAYING ACCORDING TO HER, WELL AWARE OF THIS. THIS DAILY. XHARRA IS ADVERTISING FROM WITHDRAWAL OF COOPERATION AND IS TERMINATION OF WITH ZËRI’S REPORTING COMPANIES UNHAPPY REACTION BY BUSINESS THE MOST FREQUENT

THE STRUGGLE FOR PROFESIONAL INTEGRITY MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS THE EDITORS’ ROLE IN MEDIA INTEGRITY PROTECTION IN KOSOVO AMID POOR RULE OF LAW 13 18 these were new media outlets that started from scratch, since the previous dec scratch, from since that the previous outlets started media were new these nalists and media were subject to systematic repression and closure by Serbian to systematic andclosure repression by Serbian were subject and media nalists ofthe 20thcentury, decade the jour last during whenKosovar sitional period compared to is that andeditors situation ifthe ofthe post-war tran ofmedia case the especially is This system. under the one-party period the long pre-war during compared to the state controlled media of1999 respects the war after key insome month, for 250 just euro per andthat anemployment without portal contract. that editor-in-chief until as vealed recently years ofanews for hehadworked six month. re hundred europer Oneeditor work for afew just and onlinemedia are lower,providers significantly oflocal editors-in-chief while of the majority editors ofothersenior at major media month. than 1,000europer Thesalaries slightly are receiving outlets more at major media editors-in-chief do. Only a few for adequate thethey from are job far andeditors journalists for Kosovar salaries Inaddition, work employment inKosovo without contracts. andeditors nalists It thattimidation andthreats related the to ofjour seems majority their work. by of in insufficiently forms law enforcement various protected from agencies are andeditors journalists Kosovar aconsequence, ingeneral.As andsociety dia implementation me challenge for laws Kosovar remains ofthese aserious poor However, development. media European/internationalwith for free standards that andgenerallyinline relatively legislation is media good new adopted Kosovo More important, operations. in media practices andbest professional journalism to information onthe were international exposed of andeditors standards nalists jour Kosovar outlets, media toternational western organisations andstudy visits byin Through many organised education. training courses in-service informal and formal for both opportunities new were given journalists text, Kosovar post-war In con this editors. and journalists in the situation of Kosovar flected of1999. at the beginning media language Albanian the with closure ofall ended journalists ofKosovar repression police ic brutal bysystemat marked that overKosovo colonial was rule Serbian ade ofdirect the endofthe after war,year launched. hadbeen outlets over100 media Within astrong stimulusdevelopment. for rapid donorsprovided ous media a bynumer andgenerous support 1999. freedom scene after post-war dia Both 64 63

Ibid. Overall, onecould say that Overall, improved the situation has inKosovo for editors Pluralism “Kosovo/a”,Berisha, Impact and its inMedia onMedia Ownership Independence and These dramatic developments in the Kosovo media scene werere directly in media dramaticthe Kosovo developments These Kosovo experienced adramatic inthe development me andunprecedented experienced Kosovo 7 CONCLUSIONS , 2004, p.220. 64

63 All ------THEIR WORK. THREATS RELATED TO INTIMIDATION AND VARIOUS FORMS OF AGENCIES FROM ENFORCEMENT PROTECTED BY LAW INSUFFICIENTLY AND EDITORS ARE KOSOVAR JOURNALISTS

THE STRUGGLE FOR PROFESIONAL INTEGRITY MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS THE EDITORS’ ROLE IN MEDIA INTEGRITY PROTECTION IN KOSOVO AMID POOR RULE OF LAW 14 18 3. 2. 1. bysociety. much moreprofession respected was andtheir employment contracts, permanent alongwith salaries good received when they system, a much situationjoy economic underthe better one-party diden in Kosovo editorsjournalists and For setbacks. example, suffered media development. media andfree ofspeech preconditions for freedom legal providing legislation ofthe new cite the achievements all,onecan Above police. Media freedom in Kosovo Media freedom . Balkanmedia, Berisha, I.,“Kosovo/a”,Berisha, inMedia Ownership 7. 6. 5. 4. media operation and the situation of journalists and editors should be or should be andeditors andthe operation situation ofjournalists media for implementation better affecting campaigns ofthe legislation Advocacy editors. and journalists situationdebate ofKosovar onthe current unsatisfactory solution-oriented aninformed should organise associations Journalists’ inthis regard. lead oftheir situation. AJK aspects regarding various and editors larger ona samplejournalists of based for more research Thereis aneed has However, the situation andjournalists ofeditors other insome respects fecting media operations and the situation of Kosovar journalists and editors. andeditors. andthe journalists operations situation ofKosovar media fecting the together with problem implementation ofinadequate ofthe laws af media, influence andeconomic over the government toofpolitical Kosovo the issues pay The Commission should morewith European attention the indialogue pressure. andeconomic political to defend whoare their against struggling professional integrity journalists those should support society and civil associations Media such activities. to involved public pressure cease onthose with the aimofincreasing influence andeconomic over the media, political to draw campaigns attention ness-raising towards to the current tendency andpublicaware advocacy should organise associations Journalists’ organisations. at Law media implementation ofLabour pay should Inspectorate Labour much more attentionThe Kosovo to the associations. byjournalists’ ganised 8 en/71 Available http://www.kas.de/wf/ at: and its Impactand its onMedia Independence BIBLIOGRAPHY RECOMMENDATIONS .13602 /. Accessed 6March 2016. Berisha, I.,Media ownership and finances in Berisha, , SEE parency Kosovo: vacuum Legal and oftrans lack 2004.Institute, Ljubljana, Pluralism and Media Observatory, Peace Observatory, Media , ed. B.Petković, Peace, ed. RTK should the take editors and editors - - - - -

THE STRUGGLE FOR PROFESIONAL INTEGRITY MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS THE EDITORS’ ROLE IN MEDIA INTEGRITY PROTECTION IN KOSOVO AMID POOR RULE OF LAW 15 18 Bota Sot, “Gazetari Zekirja Shabani sul- Zekirja “Gazetari Sot, Bota Ejupi, D., B.andAbazi, Liria eshprehjes dhe al.,Freedom ofMedia et Brogi in the Gazeta Express, “Gazetari Zekirja Shabani Zekirja “Gazetari Express, Gazeta “Kosovo”, K., Gashi, in inNations Transit European Media Fund for the Balkans, . Accessed 3March 2016.pdf and%20 20 fault/files/Media% - http://mediaobservatory.net/sites/de 2015.Institute, Ljubljana, Available at: 348313 http://botasot.info/lajme/ at: ’Tribuna’,” 2014. Available 8December gazetës i pronari nga fizikisht mohet na-quot/. Accessed 15 - isht-nga-pronari-i-gazetes-tribu gazetari-zekirja-shabani-sulmohet-fizik Available http://www.indep.info/doc at: ligjore,INDEP rnizës në Kosovë -Analizë krahasimore eko - e ushtrimit tëprofesionit tëgazetarisë Accessed 18 March 2016. STU STUD etudes/ www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/ (DROI ofthe European ParliamentRights by the onHuman Subcommittee Commissioned Western Balkans, Accessed 4May 2016. 20 fesionit% 20 jes% 19022 uments/ ’Tribuna’,” 2014. Available 8December gazetës i pronari nga fizikisht sulmohet AprilAccessed 28 2016. 2016 report/nations-transit/ Available https://freedomhouse.org/ at: 2016 5 March 2016. . Accessed Recent-developments.pdf integrity-in-the-Western-Balkans- 2015 loads/ balkanfund.org/wp-content/up- March 2015. Availableries, http:// at: - , Paper se Recent developments Balkans: in theWestern and integrity freedom 20 Kosove,% %282014 , Human Watch, Rights 2016. ), 2014. Available http:// at: dhe%20 Finances%20 /03/Media-freedom-and- te% 20 analize% %29534982. _EN.pdf /2014 20 _Liria% ushtrimit%20 20 gazetarise% /534982 , Prishtinë, 2016. in%20 20 Ownership% March 2016 . krahasuese.pdf e%20 /EXPO_ 0. Kosovo_ . /kosovo te% 20 shpreh 20 ne%20 . pro / - - - - Koha Ditore, eRTK “Sindikalistët Institute policy, for The Development Human Watch, Rights Law New “Kosovo: Miftari, N., “Kosovo’sMiftari, to Closer Media “Matoshi:Lajmeshqip.com, Monografia Shabani thotë “Gazetari se Live, Kosova në Koha Ditore, “Zbatimi ilegjislacionit Koha- Ditore, ereda “Gjashtëdhjetë gazetarë Accessed 18 March 2016. 71012 info/documents/ 2015. Available http://www.indep. at: oftheMediaState in Kosovo 2015, 5 March 2016. media-freedom-risk 2012 news/ 2012. Available https://www.hrw.org/ at: Freedom at Risk,” Media Puts 27 June 15 March 2016. 65137 fizikash-nga-pronari-i-i-gazetes-tribuna- jme/gazetari-zekirja-shabni-sulmohet- http://www.gazetaexpress.com/la- at: 20 Media% -%20 15 March 2016. . Accessed spite-weaknesses?page=full - kosovos-media-near-sustainability-de http://themediaproject.org/article/ at: Sustainability,” 25June 2015. Available Accessed 15 March 2016.va-me-morra. - com/kultura/matoshi-monografia-koso Available http://www.lajmeshqip. at: me morra,”Kosova, 2011. September 24 Accessed 18 April 2016. . onari-demiri-e-ky-e-mohon-kete.html thote-se-eshte-sulmuar-fizikisht-nga-pr 360 kosovalive 2014. Available http://www. at: emohon këtë,” eky Demiri, 8December pronari nga është sulmuar fizikisht ” 4May 2016,lematik, p.2. endeprob - medieve, së elirisë fushën 13 April 2015, p.5. ktorë të RTK 2 April 2015, p.7. të protestës,”jmërojnë radikalizim The%20 /?archive=1. Accessed /0627 in%20 -së kundërdrejtorit,”-së State% .com/gazetari-shabani- 202015Kosovo% /kosovo-new-law-puts- 20 . Accessed of%20 _ INDEP% - parala -së the%20 20 . .pdf -

THE STRUGGLE FOR PROFESIONAL INTEGRITY MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS THE EDITORS’ ROLE IN MEDIA INTEGRITY PROTECTION IN KOSOVO AMID POOR RULE OF LAW 16 18 Reporters Without “Knife atReporters Borders, matters: Petković, B.(ed.), Media integrity Freedom inKosovo, ofMedia Mission OSCE Circulation and inKosovo, Mission OSCE of Mission formation , OSCE welcomes OSCE Constitution ofthe ofKosovo. Republic Law No.03/L–215,Law OnAccess to Public No.04/L-082,Code ofthe Code Criminal Ljubljana, 2014.Ljubljana, anddia journalism, Peace Institute, valuesinreclaiming me- public service Accessed 12March 2016. org/kosovo/122390. ?download=true 2014, p.8.Available http://www.osce. at: in ofJournalists Kosovoand Safety , June Accessed 4March 2016. osce.org/kosovo/67790?download=true. Kosovo, 2010. Available http://www. at: Media in ofthePrint Politicization vo/46679 Available http://www.osce.org/koso at: - Council, 10Kosovo August 2005. Press ist-pristina. Accessed15 Marchist-pristina. 2016. tack-leading-independent-journal- https://rsf.org/en/news/knife-at at: inPristina,”ist 11 July 2012. Available - journal independent onleading tack Constitution1%20 vendikosoves.org/common/docs/ Available http://www.ku at: - px?ActID=2724 Accessed 5March 2016. 20 Republic% gzk.rks-gov.net/ActDocumentDetail.as 2010. Available http://Documents, at: Accessed 5March 2016. mon/docs/ligjet/Criminal%20Code.pdf. - http://www.assembly-kosova.org/com 2012. Available ofKosovo, Republic at: LAWS AND REGULATIONS AND RELATED SOURCES . Accessed 5March 2016. of%20 . Accessed 5March 2016. of%20 Kosovo.pdf. the%20 - - - Xharra, A. and Hamidi, L., “Balkan jour “Balkan andHamidi, L., A. Xharra, UNDP UBO Law No.04/L-137,Law of Onthe Protection Law No.03/L–212, OnLabour,Law 2010. No.04/L-044,Law On the Independent Accessed 6March 2016. 20 pository/docs/Action_Papers% 2012. Available http://www.apjk.org/re - at: of Kosovo, Journalists ofProfessional the Association in theMedia and theRoleof Expression of in Journalists Kosovo: Professional Freedom Accessed 15pdf. March 2016. loads/2015/05/Media-Indicators-2015. - presscouncil-ks.org/wp-content/up 2015. Council. Press Available http:// at: 2.0,ÇOHU -Kosovo Glocal byKosovo . Commissioned conditions onKosovo’sof view and freedom media thorough ajournalist’s study from point der-pressure. Accessed 12March 2016. - gative-journalism/balkan-journalists-un - http://mediaobservatory.net/investi at: 2016. 29January AvailableObservatory, underpressure,”nalists SEE 5 March 2016. 20 ism% 20 protection% 20 mon/docs/ligjet/Law% http://www.kuvendikosoves.org/com- 2013. Available Sources, Journalism at: 5 March 2016. jet/ - vendikosoves.org/common/docs/lig Available http://www.ku at: - Accessed 5March 2016. 1335250709riale/dokument/ . .2603.pdf Available http://kpm-ks.org/mate- at: 2March Commission, 2012. Media Consulting, Media Indicators 2015: Consulting, A , Action Paper on Association of Action of Paper onAssociation 2010 . Accessed sources.pdf -212 UNDP andUSAID . Accessed -eng.pdf of%20 the%20 on%20 , 29 March , 29March and Kosovo andKosovo Media Media - journal the%20 . Ang.pdf -

THE STRUGGLE FOR PROFESIONAL INTEGRITY MEDIA INTEGRITY MATTERS THE EDITORS’ ROLE IN MEDIA INTEGRITY PROTECTION IN KOSOVO AMID POOR RULE OF LAW 17 18 Law No.04/L-046,Law Television OnRadio Independent Media Commission (IMC Commission Media Independent Ridvan Berisha, editor-in-chief, RTK Berisha, Ridvan Sanela Bilalović, chief editor ofRTK chief editor Bilalović, Sanela Agim Binaku, desk chief Binaku,desk editor,Agim RTV ISUF BERISHA Mimoza Koprani,Mimoza chief desk editor, KTV Halil Matoshi, editor-in-chief former ofthe Council of Kosovo, a partner organisation inthe SEE apartner ofKosovo, Council bythe Press engaged aresearcher as contributed this report Berisha Kosovo. in Pristina, atCurrently, the College Riinvest sociology andeconomic methods teaching research heis andtrainer(2005–2010) researcher inKosovo. andamedia (2006–2007) regulator media (1982–1995), ajournalist He as worked officer development head of media (1996–2005), 20 Radio% 20 common/docs/ligjet/Law% http://www.kuvendikosoves.org/ at: 29MarchOf Kosovo, 2012. Available . Accessed 5March 2016.pdf

5 March 2016. ment/1440595669.437 - www.kpm-ks.org/materiale/doku at: Available inKosovo. Services Media for ofConduct Audiovisual Code channel, Pristina, 6April 2016.channel, Pristina, 5 April 2016. Pristina, language, inBosniac gramming Pristina, 6April 2016.Pristina, AUTHOR , Pristina, 30 March 2016.Koha, Pristina, Ditore and Express ofGazeta editor former 30 March 2016.Pristina, andthe Lajmi daily Zëri then weekly LIST OF INTERVIEWS Television%20 is aPhD is candidate inPolitical Philosophy at the Croatia. University ofZagreb,  .doc of%20 . Accessed on%20 Kosova. pro 21, news 3news ), - , , Press Council of Kosovo (PCK ofKosovo Council Press UNMIK Bajrush Morina, former editor-in-chief former ofthe Morina, Bajrush , editor-in-chief, Zëri daily Xharra, Arbana ofthe Shabani, chairman Association Zekirja Avni Shabani, editor-in-chief, portal news editor-in-chief Muhaxhiri, Rabisha for com- 5 March 2016. /reg tions/2000 http://www.unmikonline.org/regula- at: 17 inKosovo, Media June Available 2000. ofBroadcast Licensing andRegulation 5 March 2016. Code-for-Kosovo_alb.pdf. Accessed org/wp-content/uploads/2015 Available http://www.presscouncil-ks. at: të Kosovës. tëMediave Shkruara daily daily Pristina, 1April 2016.Pristina, of the Tribuna daily 5April 2016., Pristina, editor and former ofKosovo of Journalists 1April 2016.arbresh.info, Pristina, 6 April 2016. RTK department, the news of andchiefmunity editor programming Media Observatory. Media , Regulation No.2000/36, Onthe , Regulation , Pristina, 29March 2016. , Pristina, Sot Bota 36 Accessed -00.htm. Accessed ), Kodi i ), Kodi , Pristina, 1,Pristina, /04 /Press-

THE EDITORS’ ROLE IN AUTHOR Isuf Berisha EDITOR Brankica Petković MEDIA INTEGRITY PROTECTION ASSISTANT EDITOR Saša Panić LANGUAGE EDITOR This report has been produced with the financial assistance IN KOSOVO Amy Kennedy PUBLISHER Peace Institute, Institute for of the European Union. The contents of the report are the The report has been produced Contemporary Social and Political Studies, Metelkova 6, sole responsibility of the Peace Institute and the author, and within the project South East THE STRUGGLE FOR PROFESIONAL SI–1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia, . DESIGN DAK, Ljubljana, May 2016 position of the European Union. http//www.mediaobservatory.net.