OSCE: Institutions to guarantee freedom of expression and freedom of the media
(Most monitored broadcasters, TV21)
The Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Ambassador Jean Claude Schlumberger, said that only unfettered and professional media can help democratic development of Kosovo.
On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, Ambassador Schlumberger called upon Kosovo institutions to guarantee freedom of expression and freedom of the media, and to provide for a safer working environment for journalists to inform the public timely and objectively.
Through a press release, the Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo Ambassador Schlumberger condemned the attacks and threats against journalists as well as any type of influence on independent media.
RTK1 reported that Ambassador Schlumberger commended the Assembly of Kosovo for looking into the performance and finances of the Radio and Television of Kosovo (RTK).
“Financial transparency and long-term financing solution is of great importance for the public broadcaster’s editorial independence, and I call upon the Assembly to continue working closely with all of RTK stakeholders to ensure that RTK operates independently and in the interest of the public” reads a press release issued by the OSCE.
Kosovo journalists mark World Press Freedom Day
(All monitored broadcasters, KTV)
Association of Kosovo Journalists (AKJ) marked this year’s World Press Freedom Day with a symbolic action with the motto “Speak, Don’t be Afraid!” reports KTV.
On the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day, Kosovo journalists said that working as journalist in Kosovo is not easy and they are partially free in doing their jobs.
The Head of the Association of Kosovo Journalists (AKJ), Zekirija Shabani, said that in 2014 the Association has registered 24 cases of threats and physical assaults against journalists, stressing that during the first months 2015 there are six reported cases.
Shabani said that for the protection of journalists from interceptions, two articles have been included to the Interception law which are expected to be adopted by the Assembly.
‘The Association calls on institutions to use legal mechanisms and create a safe environment for media freedom, as an important tool towards developing of the democracy,” Shabani said.
Moreover, Rabishe Muhaxheri, a journalist from Radio Television of Kosovo (RTK) said that free media help the democratization of a society.
Kosovo has been rated “Partly Free” with regard to media freedom and ranked 100 among 199 countries according to the latest report of the US-based watchdog Freedom House.
Kosovo Prime Minister Isa Mustafa in a message posted in his Facebook account on the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day said that his Government will fully support media freedom and is against any threat against media.
Regarding Kosovo’s Public Broadcaster (RTK), PM Mustafa said that the public broadcaster should have a special treatment in order to detach from its current stream and enable it to report for the interest of the public opinion.
On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, Vetëvendosje also expressed their support to the journalists and accused the Government for the poor situation of the freedom of the media in Kosovo.
Freedom of expression endangered in Kosovo
(Most monitored broadcasters, KTV)
On the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day, three organisations, namely Kosovo 2.0’, ‘Çohu’ and Kosovo Press Council published key findings of a research dubbed ‘Media indicators 2015’ related to the freedom of the media in Kosovo. Focus of this research is the current perception of Kosovo journalists in key issues related to the media. The research concludes that freedom of expression in Kosovo is endangered.
According to the findings of the research, journalists are not aware about the state censorship on media, since 49 per cent of them responded that they do not have information about this issue.
The research notes that being a journalist in Kosovo is not easy, considering the issues with contracts, direct influence of media proprietors and politicians, limitations in the freedom of expression and also the worrying levels of state censorship
For this research 175 interview with journalists from different media outlets have been conducted, including journalists from TV, press, radio and new media across Kosovo.
