As 2024 draws to a close, journalists in Kosovo reflect on a year fraught with challenges. From verbal attacks by high-ranking officials to an ever-evolving wave of propaganda, the press has faced mounting pressures. Yet, according to Xhemail Rexha, President of the Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AGK), the battle for truth is far from lost.
Speaking to KoSSev, Rexha highlighted the year’s difficulties, including verbal and physical attacks against journalists. These pressures have often originated from government officials, aiming to discredit media workers. However, Rexha emphasized that journalists must persist in their mission to provide factual, unbiased reporting and debunk misinformation.
A Year of Challenges and Attacks
According to Rexha, the challenges journalists faced in 2024 largely carried over from 2023. He noted a disturbing trend of verbal assaults targeting Albanian-language media, with high-ranking officials from Kosovo’s government openly criticizing journalists.
“These attacks were often open and personal and aimed at discrediting journalists by naming and shaming,” Rexha explained. Among the culprits were members of the ruling party and government officials, including Prime Minister Albin Kurti.
Kurti’s rhetoric, which accused Albanian journalists of aligning with Serbia and failing to criticize its actions in northern Kosovo, drew sharp condemnation from AGK.
“This kind of language is dangerous to the safety and security of journalists. If there are consequences, the government would be held responsible,” Rexha warned.
Cross-Community Collaboration
Despite political tensions, Rexha acknowledged the strong collaboration between Albanian and Serbian journalists in Kosovo.
Journalists from both communities work together daily. We have countless examples of mutual support and cooperation. The issue arises when political leaders, like the Prime Minister, attempt to link Albanian journalists to Serbia’s regime – he said.
AGK remains acutely aware of the challenges faced by Serbian media outlets, including KoSSev, which has been targeted by both Albanian and Serbian audiences due to its reporting.
“We try to support you as much as we can,” Rexha affirmed.
Legislative Interference and Media Independence
In July, Kosovo’s parliament passed a controversial law on the Independent Media Commission. Backed by the ruling coalition and boycotted by the opposition, the law has been criticized for undermining media independence and gender equality.
AGK submitted a constitutional challenge to the law, arguing it represents direct government interference in the media.
“We are very hopeful the Constitutional Court will bring this law down, as we see it as direct interference of the government of Kosovo with the media, with media interference, and we remain hopeful that we will have a positive outcome,” Rexha said.
Fighting Propaganda in an Era of Misinformation
Propaganda continues to loom large over Kosovo’s media landscape, exacerbating ethnic tensions and undermining public trust.
“Propaganda has become increasingly fine, making it very difficult for people to say that it is propaganda and distinguish it from real news,” Rexha observed.
Still, he expressed confidence in the resilience of Kosovo’s journalists from all communities.
“I think it is up to us – journalists not to lose the battle and the war, but to provide factual, accurate information, and debunk all fake news and propaganda.”
“Journalists here remain dedicated to the real principles of journalism. And I know it’s difficult in an environment of inter-ethnic tension, but it’s a battle that we have to continue,” Rexha said.
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