This year, May 3 happens to be Eid. But every year, it is World Press Freedom Day, the day when we remind institutions of their duty to ensure press freedom, a fundamental pillar of democracy. We also stop to reflect on the role of the media in society, and the need for the media to act independently and fairly.
There is a direct link between press freedom and journalists’ rights on one side, and the ability of the media to be a responsible and positive stakeholder in society on the other. To be able to defend the vulnerable, tell the stories of the oppressed, speak truth to power and champion diversity and democracy, journalists’ safety must be ensured. Who, otherwise, will defend the defenders?
On May 5, we invite citizens and institutions to listen to the stories of journalists and media workers to mark World Press Freedom Day, through a series of events organized by K2.0.
Here’s what’s happening:
10.00 – 11.00
Confronting sexism and derogatory language in the media, with:
- Adelina Berisha, program manager for addressing gender-based violence at Kosovo Women’s Network
- Leonida Molliqaj, executive director and editor-in-chief at QIKA
Moderated by Aulonë Kadriu, editor at K2.0
11.00 – 12.00
Ensuring local radio stations’ survival, despite the challenges, with:
- Denis Galushi, journalist at Radio Television of Kosova (RTK)
- Visar Hoti, vice president of the Association of Independent Broadcast Media
Moderated by: Gentiana Paçarizi, editor at K2.0
12.00 – 13.00
Breaking the silence on sensitive and marginalized topics, with:
- Fitim Gashi, senior reporter at KOHA
- Dafina Halili, journalist at K2.0
Moderated by: Lirika Demiri, journalist at K2.0
13.00 – 14.00
How much does RTK reflect the diversity of Kosovo? with:
- Shkumbin Ahmetxhekaj, acting general director at RTK
- Imer Mushkolaj, journalist, columnist and opinion writer
Moderated by: Besa Luci, editor-in-chief at K2.0
There is more… We will reassemble at 18.00 at the Zahir Pajaziti square for our conversation ‘Tell a journalist’:
We turn to the media for information. Whether through print, TV, radio or online, journalists tell us about our communities and the world. Journalists tell us stories about ourselves and society. Sometimes these stories challenge our preconceived notions, sometimes they reinforce discriminatory ideas.
We are used to reading or listening to stories in the media in a somewhat passive manner, and it is easy to forget that society and the media exist in a two-way conversation. It is through this conversation that we can change perceptions, and make room for the narratives that exist beyond the mainstream. Where the media are able and willing to reflect the complexity and diversity of society back onto readers, a more inclusive world will follow.
So what if, for once, we were to turn the tables. What if we were the ones to tell journalists what we think the problem is, and what the story should be? What would we say to a journalist that has been telling our stories? What policy or practice would we ask them to bring to light?
During the event, the audience will be encouraged to share their thoughts with:
- Arta Avdiu, editor-in-chief at Dukagjini
- Erjonë Popova, journalist
- Taulant Osmani, editor at Kallxo
- Vullnet Krasniqi, multimedia journalist at Nacionale
Moderated by: Aulone Kadriu, editor at K2.0
Translation to and from English/Albanian/Serbian provided in the event.
Feature Image: Ferdi Limani / K2.0.
This event is organized as part of the project “Reporting Diversity Network 2.0,” with the financial support of the European Union, Balkan Trust for Democracy, a project of the German Marshall Fund of the United States, and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
