KOSOVO

MEDIA SUSTAINABILITY INDEX 2019 Tracking Development of Sustainable Independent Media Around the World AT A GLANCE GENERAL MEDIA-SPECIFIC ▶▶Population: 1,907,592 (CIA World Factbook, ▶▶Languages (% of population): Albanian ▶▶Number of active media outlets: Print: ▶▶Internet usage: 88% of households have July 2018) (official) 94.5%, Bosnian 1.7%, Serbian 5 daily newspapers, radio stations: 82, Internet access (Index Kosova, December ▶▶Capital city: (official) 1.6%, Turkish 1.1%, other 0.9% television stations: 20 (Independent Media 2015) (includes Romani), unspecified 0.1% (CIA Commission, 2015) ▶▶Ethnic groups (% of population): Albanians ▶▶Annual advertising revenue in media 92.9%, Bosniaks 1.6%, Serbs 1.5%, Turk 1.1%, World Factbook, 2011) ▶▶Newspaper circulation statistics: Koha sector: There is no available data. Ashkali 0.9%, Egyptian 0.7%, Gorani 0.6%, ▶▶GNI (2017—Atlas): $7.15 billion (World Bank Ditore is the leading newspaper, followed by Romani 0.5%, other/unspecified 0.2% (CIA Development Indicators, 2017) (Index Kosova, December 2015) World Factbook, 2011) ▶▶GNI per capita (2016—PPP): $11,020 (World ▶▶News agencies: Kosovo Live, Kosovo Press, ▶▶Religions (% of population): Muslim 95.6%, Bank Development Indicators, 2017) 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) (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.

3.02 Unsustainable Mixed System (1–2): Country minimally

2.90 meets objectives, with segments of the legal system and 2.72 2.73 NEAR 2.65 2.65 2.63 government opposed to a free media system. Evident progress 2.64 2.61 2.58 2.56 2.57 2.52 2.51 2.52

2.46 in free-press advocacy, increased professionalism, and new 2.43 2.41 SUSTAINABILITY 2.36 2.36 2.37 2.32

2.27 media businesses may be too recent to judge sustainability. 2.25 2.24 2.16 2.16 2.13 2.02 1.96 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 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 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 February 2018, Kosovo celebrated its first Thaçi, proposed redefining state borders as a OVERALL decade as an independent state. Ten years permanent solution to bring peace and stability SCORE earlier, members of Kosovo’s Parliament between the two countries. Whether that means signed the declaration of independence an exchange of territories and inhabitants is from . Major countries in the European unknown; the president’s office has failed to 2.53 Union (EU)--such as , the United respond to such questions and to all inquiries IKingdom, France, and -- as well as the United from the media about the president’s plan. States, were among the first nations to recognize As a result of these still-unresolved tensions Kosovo’s overall score for the Kosovo as an independent state. However, between Kosovo and Serbia and the looming MSI dropped slightly this year, in Kosovo has yet to become a member of the deadline to end talks between the two countries, comparison to its overall score United Nations (UN), as it is still not recognized media coverage of the EU-supported dialogue of 2.56 in the previous year’s by two-thirds of UN member states, including was dominant in Kosovo throughout 2018 study. Despite this decline, Russia and China. In November 2018, Interpol and was at the expense of coverage of other Kosovo remains in the “near rejected Kosovo’s application for membership, important issues such as sociopolitical events, sustainability” classification. prompting the government of Kosovo to blame the economy, minority and marginalized groups, The 2019 chapter for Kosovo Serbia for a “wild campaign” against Kosovo’s and human rights. While 2018 witnessed a shows drops in the scores for the membership. In return, the Kosovo government number of threats against journalists and freedom of speech, professional decided that all goods imported from Serbia media professionals, the year also saw journalism, and business will be subject to 100 percent tax. This decision the appointment of a special prosecutor to management objectives, and caused a further deterioration in the relations investigate crimes against journalists, which moderate increases in plurality of between the two countries. news and supporting institutions. was a culmination of journalists’ associations’ Panelists noted that while International political actors, such as the United efforts to prompt the government to take Kosovo enjoys good diversity States and EU, have called on the two countries action to protect journalists. Another major in media, the steady shift away to resume their political dialogue and find a achievement in 2018 was the adoption of the law from traditional print media to long-term solution. Dialogue between Serbia and on whistleblowing, which is good in content but the online environment has seen Kosovo has been ongoing since 2011 under the a challenge in implementation. Overall, access ethical standards diminish. auspices of the EU, the ultimate goal of which is to public information remains difficult despite to normalize relations between the two countries. the existence of a law that guarantees it. Other However, thus far the talks have shown only challenges in the media sector relate to the modest results. As such, a deadline has been set lack of transparency in media ownership, failure to end the dialogue and reach a legally binding to fully adhere to professional standards in agreement between Serbia and Kosovo in the reporting, and scarcity of financial resources. first half of 2019. Kosovo’s president, Hashim

3 MEDIA SUSTAINABILITY INDEX 2019 KOSOVO

OBJECTIVE 1: would restrict the freedom of media. It is still procedures for claiming VAT reimbursement for FREEDOM OF 2.52 unclear what the content of such law would equipment bought from local venders rather than SPEECH have been since the discussion was only at the directly imported. Media organizations are exempt conceptual level and no draft on media law was from VAT in the import of equipment, but not The Kosovo Constitution guarantees freedom of ever presented. Nevertheless, panelists believe that purchases in the domestic market. expression, and there are a number of laws that no specific law on media is necessary. regulate and defend this right. Laws are generally The licensing of television, radio, and cable consistent with EU and other internationally providers is managed by the broadcast media Legal and social norms protect and promote accepted standards for free speech protection. A regulator, Independent Media Commission (IMC). As free speech and access to public information. special law regulates the protection of journalists’ the terrestrial broadcast spectrum is fully allocated, FREE-SPEECH INDICATORS sources, but panelists feel that the law is not fully currently the IMC is only licensing non-frequency ▶▶Legal and social ▶▶Libel is a civil law issue; implemented. Panelists cited a few cases when content providers which broadcast through cable protections of free public officials are held a source of information became public, thus networks. This licensing process is very simple, with speech exist and to higher standards, discouraging other whistleblowers from coming minimal criteria. Panelists see this as a problem are enforced. and offended parties forward with information. In one case, a Kosovo because it has led to a rapid increase in the must prove falsity ▶▶Licensing of broadcast and malice. police officer was fired after he was under number of TV channels, a large number of which media is fair, competitive, suspicion of having leaked information about a lack proper infrastructure, face insufficient human and apolitical. ▶▶Public information is easily accessible; criminal act to the media involving the son of a resources, and produce poor media content. The ▶▶Market entry and tax right of access to high-ranking official. IMC has failed to make the switchover from analog structure for media are information is equally fair and comparable enforced for all media to digital broadcasting, despite an existing deadline to other industries. At the end of 2018, the Kosovo Parliament adopted that passed in 2015. A board of directors, whose and journalists. the Law on the Protection of Whistle-Blowers. members are appointed by the Kosovo Assembly, ▶▶Crimes against ▶▶Media outlets have journalists or media This law establishes rules on whistle-blowing, manages IMC. Panelists believe the selection unrestricted access outlets are prosecuted to information; this is including procedures, rights and protections, and process is based on party preferences rather than vigorously, but equally enforced for all the obligations of public institutions and private merit. Printed media and Internet-based media occurrences of such media and journalists. entities regarding whistle-blowing. Panelists consider outlets, on the other hand, are not subject to a crimes are rare. ▶▶Entry into the the law advanced, but they fear judicial inefficiency licensing process but must register with the relevant ▶▶State or public media do journalism profession will serve as an obstacle to its implementation. authorities. not receive preferential is free, and government legal treatment, and Considering the high levels of corruption and Market entry for the media is the same as for imposes no licensing, law guarantees editorial restrictions, or special nepotism, as well as the fact that the public sector all other businesses. They are not subject to any independence. rights for journalists. and government remain the biggest employers in special tax, except certain fees that are required the country, ensuring the safety and protection of for electronic media, such as the license fee whistle-blowers remains a challenging task. Last collected by the IMC, a frequency fee collected year, a police officer was dismissed under suspicions by the Regulatory Authority of Electronic and Crimes against media professionals occur of leaking information about the involvement of Postal Communications, and the transmitter primarily in the form of threats and physical assaults. the son of the director of the Kosovo Intelligence maintenance fee collected by the Kosova Terrestrial In 2018, Kosovo saw a considerable number of Agency in a criminal act. Also, during 2018, there Telecommunications Network. Although there is crimes against journalists and media professionals; was a dangerous attempt by the Kosovo Assembly a value-added tax (VAT) exemption for media, investigative journalists, in particular, are more prone to adopt a media law, which, according to panelists, there are some ambiguities in the law such as the to threats. These crimes are mostly condemned

4 MEDIA SUSTAINABILITY INDEX 2019 KOSOVO

by journalists’ associations, which have repeatedly as RTK is still financed by the state budget, jeopar- government imposes no licensing, restrictions, or asked for the appointment of a special prosecutor dizing its editorial and institutional independence. special rights for journalists. to investigate the threats and crimes against In 2018, the Kosovo Parliament approved a new journalists exclusively. In 2018, a prosecutor was draft law on RTK, which includes a mixed-financing finally appointed. In addition, the Kosovo office of the mechanism, mainly from subscriptions--€2.50 [$2.80] OBJECTIVE 2: Organization for Security and Cooperation in per household to be collected through electricity PROFESSIONAL 2.41 JOURNALISM organized a campaign that aimed to raise awareness bills and a small percentage (0.4 percent) of the about the safety of journalists in Kosovo. Panelists state budget. However, the new bill did not ultimately partly blame the political elites for the increasing pass, and it is expected to return to Parliament in With a shift from print to online media, ethical hostility toward media. Similar to global trends, 2019. standards have largely deteriorated. Journalists Kosovo has seen decreases in public trust and in At the end of 2018, the Kosovo government do not always check and verify the information, the credibility of journalists, and political elites are passed a new regulation on the government public and often, especially among online media, outlets increasingly using rhetoric to delegitimize the media. communication service. The main goal of the simply copy one another. There is a widespread They attempt to place media within specific political regulation is to ensure that the work of government belief that the mere purpose of online journalism camps or try to characterize credible and profes- institutions is open to the public. However, despite is to publish content in so-called real time. Such sional media as producers of “fake news.” Kosovo’s legal protections, access to information remains an approach has significantly damaged profes- president has used the term “fake news” on more a worrisome issue. Certain influential media with sional standards and has led to single-sourced than one occasion in an attempt to refute reports nationwide coverage are more easily granted access and unverified content being published contin- about him and his statements. In a TV debate on the to information and documents. For smaller media, uously. Online media platforms, as such, are show Rubikon, the president even repeatedly called the same access, or even interviews with public increasingly becoming avenues where single the reporter a liar. Nevertheless, libel and similar acts officials, usually takes longer and requires more statements and quotes by political and public of defamation are not criminal offenses in Kosovo, insistence. Overall, journalists struggle to obtain officials are published as the “latest news” or and civil liability for smears and insults are regulated official information on important topics, especially “latest developments.” by a special law in which the burden of proof is on on the content of public contracts. Another issue the defendant. that must be addressed is the manner in which Panelists also remarked that online journalism journalists are credentialed to access government has the tendency to refer to all online media as In 2018, Kosovo saw a considerable number offices and Parliament. Media outlets are required “online portals.” This phrase refers to the techni- of crimes against journalists and media to send the names of the journalists (generally a cality of the platform, not the form or genre of maximum of two, depending on the size of the journalism. As such, it makes it more difficult to professionals; investigative journalists, in media) at the beginning of the year. However, those distinguish between one source and another, particular, are more prone to threats. names cannot be replaced within the course of that because using the catch-all term “online portal” year, so if a journalist changes jobs or is otherwise does not acknowledge the diversity of the format, While the law protects the editorial unavailable, then the outlet no longer has access to such as online newspapers, online news agencies, independence of the public broadcaster, the reality is that particular institution. or online magazines. Still, the growth of the Internet much different. Radio Television of Kosovo (RTK), as Media outlets’ access to and use of local has paved the way for the increase of much smaller, the only public broadcaster, continues to be subject and international news and news sources are not more independent, and professional media outlets to political pressure, particularly by the ruling parties. restricted by law. Outlets reprint and retransmit in recent years. These outlets have more journalists The key problem in this regard is the failure to find international news subject to copyright laws. Lastly, covering specific beats in a more in-depth manner. a sustainable way to finance the public broadcaster, entry into the journalism profession is free, and the Journalists have repeatedly stressed that their

5 MEDIA SUSTAINABILITY INDEX 2019 KOSOVO

community continues to work in poor working criticizing RTK’s leaders for mismanagement of by mainstream media are usually covered by blogs, conditions and for low wages. A lack of contracts finances and overstaffing through unfair competition citizen journalists, or on social media. remains a problem for journalists and creates an and nepotism. Nonprofit media organizations Pay levels for journalists and other media atmosphere of professional insecurity. In 2018, a continue to embrace a higher level of editorial professionals are not high enough to discourage number of journalists and cameramen publicly independence, even though only a small number of self-censorship and retain qualified personnel denounced the TV channel Tribuna for failing to total media outlets are nonprofit outlets. With more within the media profession, especially within pay several months of wages, taxes, and pension financial sustainability, these media organizations private and local media. Many media organi- contributions. have greater freedom to report without fear of any zations are composed of young journalists who political or economic revenge. One such example is have little experience and are paid poorly. There is .com, an online media outlet that has become a striking salary difference between employees of Journalism meets professional a member of the International Fact-Checking public and private media, with salaries in the public standards of quality. Network. media considerably higher compared to private

PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISM INDICATORS Written ethics codes exist, and most media organizations. have their own internal written ethical codes. Also, ▶▶Reporting is fair, ▶▶Entertainment objective, and programming does if they are members of the Kosovo Press Council, well sourced. not eclipse news which the majority of mainstream outlets are, both Still, the growth of the Internet has paved and information print and online media are required to abide by the ▶▶Journalists follow programming. the way for the increase of much smaller, recognized and accepted council’s code of conduct automatically. Broadcast more independent, and professional media ethical standards. ▶▶Technical facilities media are also required to abide by the code of and equipment for ethics imposed by the IMC, as well as their own outlets in recent years. These outlets have ▶▶Journalists and editors gathering, producing, do not practice and distributing internal codes. more journalists covering specific beats in a self-censorship. news are modern Self-censorship remains common. A large more in-depth manner. ▶▶Journalists cover key and efficient. number of media organizations have ties to political events and issues. ▶▶Quality niche reporting or business entities, and their journalists and editors ▶▶Pay levels for journalists and programming are expected to respect such relationships, with Entertainment programming does not eclipse and other media exists (investigative, the implication that certain topics are off-limits. news and information programming. Facilities and economics/business, professionals are Journalists have stated that editors and owners equipment for gathering, producing, and distributing sufficiently high to local, political). discourage corruption. tend to influence their work if the article deals with news are modern and efficient, and quality niche sensitive issues, including political or economic reporting and programming exist, including investi- topics. Reporters generally know in advance what gative, economic/business, and local and political they are “allowed” to report. reporting. Some journalists specialize in certain Online media continue to flood the media Most journalists cover events or key issues. areas, and there are some distinguished journalists scene, although the total number of them remains Reporting on some events can result in negative who report on specific issues, especially the rule of unknown. Ownership transparency is still low. Many consequences for journalists or editors—a problem law, economic developments, and health care. people have no information on who the owners that tends to affect public media more than private. of outlets are or who works in editorial offices. Whether a journalist is prohibited from covering an However, because of direct funding from the state, event generally relates to the editorial policies of the RTK is influenced by policy interventions. RTK’s outlet and the interests, often political or economic, independent trade union has reacted several times, that affect the outlet. Events that are not covered

6 MEDIA SUSTAINABILITY INDEX 2019 KOSOVO

OBJECTIVE 3: People can choose to use or access any media or obligatory for members, which is limited to print PLURALITY 2.72 _ platform without impediment. The government does and online outlets, to have an Impressum published OF NEWS not restrict the use of media or websites, except in their outlets, which contains information about in cases where the court or security mechanisms the outlet, including its owners, editorial structure, Overall, Kosovo possesses good media diversity, report that a web page or other platform is at risk and staff details. Moreover, all prospective members as there are many outlets in various media of being used for propaganda, such as encouraging need to have such information published to be formats, such as print, broadcast, and online people to join terrorist groups. Since public media considered for membership in the council. These media. The variety of news sources allows are funded by the state budget, journalists and changes were introduced in 2017. people to check one against the other. However, editors working in there feel they must serve the A wide range of social interests is reflected the plurality in number does not necessarily ruling parties’ interests, as opposed to the public and represented in the media, including minori- guarantee a plurality of perspectives within good, based on political pressures and financial ty-language information sources. The media also the media. The mainstream media is highly dependence. Most of the reporting in public media provide news coverage and information about local, influenced by and oriented toward political elites is spent on government activities. national, and international issues. rather than focusing on policies and issues. In 2018, coverage of the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue With regard to the transparency of media has dominated, as opposed to issues regarding Multiple news sources provide citizens the sociopolitical and economic well-being of ownership, the Press Council has introduced with reliable and objective news. citizens. Coverage of human rights issues and some changes in its governing documents PLURALITY OF NEWS SOURCES INDICATORS minority and marginalized groups is even weaker. to attempt to ensure that citizens of Kosovo ▶▶A plurality of affordable ▶▶Independent broadcast There is, however, an increasing interest in media have information on who owns media outlets public and private media produce their coverage of more issues pertaining to gender news sources (e.g., own news programs. equality and how women are affected by discrim- in the country. print, broadcast, Internet) exists. ▶▶Transparency of media ination in political, economic, and social spheres, ownership allows although editorial offices within newsrooms often There are several independent news agencies ▶▶Citizens’ access consumers to judge lack an understanding of these institutional and that gather and distribute news for media outlets, to domestic or objectivity of news; international media media ownership is social barriers and their effect at the micro level. but there are still no news agencies that report in is not restricted. not concentrated in a This lack of knowledge about lived experiences Serbian. Because of subscription fees, however, few conglomerates. ▶▶State or public media also applies to reporting on ethnic communities. not all media organizations can afford to buy reflect the views of ▶▶A broad spectrum of For example, the Kosovo-Serb community is these services. Some media also have access to the entire political social interests are mainly covered through the prism of Kosovo- international news agencies, including Reuters, the spectrum, are reflected and represented Serbia relations, while reporting on the Roma Associated Press, and Agence France-Presse. nonpartisan, and serve in the media, including the public interest. minority-language community is through the lens of poverty. Other Most private media produce their own news, information sources. non-majority populations, such as the Turkish as do local and minority media, which specialize ▶▶Independent news agencies gather and ▶▶Broadcast ratings, and Bosniak communities, are either completely in covering events around their own communities. distribute news for print circulation figures, absent or covered only when some extraordinary With regard to the transparency of media ownership, and broadcast media. and Internet statistics issue is being voted on in Parliament. the Press Council has introduced some changes in are reliable. its governing documents to attempt to ensure that Citizens’ access to domestic or international media citizens of Kosovo have information on who owns is not restricted by law, economics, or other means. media outlets in the country. The council made it

7 MEDIA SUSTAINABILITY INDEX 2019 KOSOVO

OBJECTIVE 4: media marketing programs. As a result, Kosovo Serb Kosovo, such as banks and insurance companies, BUSINESS 1.96 media are almost fully dependable on international tend to produce better ads in comparison to local MANAGEMENT donor support. companies. The government has no subsides for the Business plans are mainly done by the public Overall, the financial situation and business community media. The only exception is RTK 2, broadcaster RTK, while private media are not sustainability of the media has not improved from which is a public television in Serbian language with legally required to have them. This is also true for past years. Public media rely entirely on the state guaranteed funding from the Kosovo state budget. marketing. While private media is not generally budget, while the private media rely primarily Kosovo continues to suffer from a lack of required to publicize marketing information, public on advertisements or subscription fees, such as market research, which would help identify audience media is required to make audit reports publicly with cable providers. There are several media trends and patterns. Moreover, a lack of industry available. that operate as nongovernmental organizations research leads to individual media being able to and depend mainly on grants from donors. either manipulate or exaggerate their own analytics. Kosovo has seen an increase in donor support There is no systematic and credible independent Independent media are well-managed for independent media and journalism in recent market research; the absence of this prevents media businesses, allowing editorial independence. years, largely as a response to the need for outlets from using such data to better position BUSINESS MANAGEMENT INDICATORS increased media literacy, but also to combat the themselves in the market. However, individual media ▶▶Media outlets and ▶▶Independent media deluge of fake news and fake media outlets. outlets do conduct market research for internal use supporting firms operate do not receive and to help attract advertising companies. Relevant as efficient, professional, government subsidies. The European Union in particular has increased Internet statistics can also be easily checked thanks and profit-generating businesses. ▶▶Market research is its funding for Kosovo media development. Donors to Google analytics. used to formulate also give money to help build the online skills and ▶▶Media receive revenue strategic plans, capacities of the younger generation of journalists There is no systematic and credible from a multitude enhance advertising in hopes of countering fake news and increasing of sources. revenue, and tailor independent market research; the absence products to the issue-based reporting. In a significant change, ▶▶Advertising agencies and needs and interests private media are also now able to apply for of this prevents media outlets from using related industries support of audiences. an advertising market. donor funding, another effort to widely increase such data to better position themselves in ▶▶Broadcast ratings the capacities, skills, and infrastructure of the ▶▶Advertising revenue as and circulation the market. a percentage of total figures are reliably mainstream. These efforts aim to diversify income revenue is in line with and means of content production. and independently accepted standards at produced. Kosovo Serb private media outlets are generally While there are advertising agencies that commercial outlets. small, are mostly established as NGOs, and have a media outlets can rely on, many outlets need to maximum of 15 people. Few of them have business engage professionals or companies with knowledge plans for short- and medium-terms. Their biggest of online and social media marketing tools, partic- problems are sustainability and lack of educated ularly those professionals and companies that journalists and technicians, said the panelist. He also understand the importance of maintaining also added that marketing for Kosovo Serb media high-quality production. The quality of commercial outlets is almost non-existent. According to him, this spots has improved, and all commercial spots is due to weak local economy and lack of will from must comply with the code of ethics established Albanian businesses to take part in Serbian-speaking by the IMC. International companies operating in

8 MEDIA SUSTAINABILITY INDEX 2019 KOSOVO

OBJECTIVE 5: speak up, as was the case with TV channel Tribuna. distribution (e.g., kiosks, transmitters, cable, Internet), SUPPORTING 3.02 Both public and private universities offer are apolitical, not monopolized, and not restricted. INSTITUTIONS journalism degree programs, and there appeared to be There is no government pressure to control or an increase in the number of graduates entering the monopolize media distribution, just as there is no The Association of Kosovo Independent industry in the past couple of years. This is also linked government restriction on importing and purchasing Electronic Media, which works to protect the to the continuously growing number of online media materials that the media and journalists need to do interests of most broadcast media, represents outlets in need of journalists. However, journalism their work. The only constraint is financial. Information private media in the country. Other profes- departments at the University of Pristina continue to and communication technology infrastructures (ICT) sional journalist associations also exist and lack the technical infrastructure to prepare students sufficiently meet the needs of both the media and strive to protect journalists’ rights and promote with practical, professional skills. In 2018, Kosovo citizens. Despite relatively low budgets, most media quality journalism, both in the Albanian and received a grant from the US Embassy1 to help support organizations have embraced the digital revolution. Serbian communities. The Association of Kosovo local universities through the establishment of the Many outlets provide live coverage of events and live Journalists (AGK) is the predominant journalism Media Innovation Lab. Meanwhile, private colleges are streaming on their YouTube channels. Overall, the ICT organization in the country and focuses better equipped technologically. infrastructure in the country meets the needs of the on monitoring instances of attacks against media industry. journalists and condemning such acts. The group In recent years, there has been an increase often organizes protests and demonstrations in more innovative and creative programs to demand a safer environment for journalists, Supporting institutions function in the conducts trainings for journalists, and produces and workshops in journalism, usually professional interests of independent media. research about the country’s media environment. focusing on specific issues, field-based SUPPORTING INSTITUTIONS INDICATORS: In 2018, the AGK elected a new leader in a training, or ethics-based approaches. There ▶▶Trade associations ▶▶Quality journalism transparent and competitive process. represent the interests degree programs is, however, a lack of training in the use of of private media that provide Another major organization is the Press Council of owners and provide substantial practical online and digital tools. member services. experience exist. Kosovo, whose mission is to ensure that its members (print and online media) uphold ethical standards. Its There are short-term training and in-service ▶▶Professional ▶▶Printing facilities associations are in private original intent was to serve print media, but now 90 training institutions also offered by local media such as work to protect hands, apolitical, percent of its members are online outlets. As such, BIRN, Kosovo 2.0, or local civil society organizations. journalists’ rights. and unrestricted. the council is currently reviewing its statute and rules In recent years, there has been an increase in more ▶▶Short-term training ▶▶Channels of media of procedure, and working to tackle emerging issues innovative and creative programs and workshops and in-service distribution (kiosks, within online media, such as correction guidelines, the in journalism, usually focusing on specific issues, training programs transmitters, Internet) right to complain, photo copyrights, and video content. field-based training, or ethics-based approaches. There allow journalists to are private, apolitical, Still, workers’ rights are not always guaranteed, is, however, a lack of training in the use of online and upgrade skills or and unrestricted. acquire new skills. and in 2018 many of the issues--including a lack of digital tools. ▶▶Information and contracts, lack of respect for existing contracts, and Sources of media equipment, newsprint, and ▶▶Sources of newsprint communication NGOs support technology­ infra- other violations--entered the public consciousness, printing facilities, as well as channels of media free speech and structure sufficiently partly because of research from the Association of independent media. meets the needs of media and citizens. Journalists. There is an increase in the number of 1 U.S. Embassy in Kosovo, “University Support Grants journalists willing to unite around their cause and Program.” https://xk.usembassy.gov/universitysupport/

9 MEDIA SUSTAINABILITY INDEX 2019 KOSOVO

List of Panel Participants Kreshnik Gashi, editor, Balkan Investigative Research Network, Pristina Besa Luci, editor-in-chief, Kosovo 2.0, Pristina Ardita Zejnullahu, executive director, Kosovo Association of Independent Electronic Media, Pristina Anamari Repic, journalist, RTK 2, Pristina Remzije Shahini-Hoxhaj, lecturer of journalism, University of Pristina Flutura Kusari, media law expert, freelance Gazmend Syla, news director, Klan Kosova TV, Pristina Goran Avramovic, editor-in-chief, Radio Kim, Cagllavic Gentiana Begolli, president, Association of Kosovo Journalists Serbeze Haxhiaj, investigative journalist, Pristina

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

Author Jeton Mehmeti, policy analyst, GAP Institute, Pristina

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

The panel discussion was convened on December 20, 2018.

10 MEDIA SUSTAINABILITY INDEX 2019