{"id":2746,"date":"2025-01-28T11:40:44","date_gmt":"2025-01-28T10:40:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fojo.se\/en\/?p=2746"},"modified":"2025-03-03T09:02:34","modified_gmt":"2025-03-03T08:02:34","slug":"how-ampek-strengthens-journalists-safety-and-working-conditions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fojo.se\/en\/how-ampek-strengthens-journalists-safety-and-working-conditions\/","title":{"rendered":"Strengthening journalists’ safety and working conditions in the Balkans"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In the Western Balkans, improving journalists\u2019 working conditions has long been overlooked by media organisations and policymakers. However, Fojo Media Institute\u2019s initiative has brought much-needed attention to this critical issue.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFocusing on working conditions will inevitably enhance media freedom. A safe, free and supportive working environment ultimately helps journalists tackle challenges and motivates them to pursue even the most difficult and dangerous stories in the public interest,\u201d says Ardita Zejnulahu, director of the Association of Independent Broadcast Media of Kosovo (AMPEK)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ardita Zejnullahu, director of AMPEK.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cFojo has been active in this region since 2021 and has, for the first time in a long while, brought critical attention to working conditions, journalist safety and ways to enhance personal, digital and psychological safety in the media sector.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A number of media managers from the Western Balkan countries gained valuable insights into the working conditions of Swedish media through Fojo\u2019s study visits in Stockholm, Sweden and webinars throughout the project. Visits to public and private media institutions, discussions on regulatory approaches and testimonies from experienced journalists offered the participants a deeper understanding of how to address these issues in their home countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFor the participating managers, it was vital to learn about improving legal, personal, digital and psychological safety for journalists from the Swedish perspective. These lessons have inspired a commitment to apply these principles in their respective countries,\u201d Zejnulahu added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

AMPEK, as a key partner, has facilitated digital security training for local media in Kosovo, benefiting 15 media outlets and significantly improving their resilience to online threats. During the first phase, AMPEK conducted digital security training for 15 local media outlets, equipping journalists with the skills needed to tackle digital threats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBy addressing digital security, AMPEK helped improve the capacities of local media to counter online risks. This training significantly enhanced digital hygiene practices among media workers, creating safer working conditions,\u201d Zejnulahu noted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, awareness of online dangers, such as disinformation and privacy threats, remains low among Kosovo\u2019s local media. AMPEK\u2019s efforts are working to close this gap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCyberattacks on media websites are frequent and many lack robust cybersecurity measures. Additionally, Kosovo\u2019s lack of a country-level domain makes government websites (.com or .org) more vulnerable to hackers. By training local media in digital security, AMPEK has strengthened media resilience and journalist safety,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second phase of the project prioritised physical safety and mental health training for journalists.

\u201cIn the second phase of the project, AMPEK secured the participation of the Independent Media Commission (IMC), Kosovo\u2019s national regulatory authority for audiovisual media. Involving decision-makers like the IMC Chairperson ensures that the insights gained from this initiative reach all audiovisual media under their jurisdiction,\u201d Zejnulahu explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The trainings were designed based on an in-depth analysis of the needs of local media, particularly in the context of Kosovo\u2019s socio-political challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThese efforts have made a tangible difference in improving conditions for journalists and supporting AMPEK\u2019s mission to promote a tolerant, democratic society through independent media,\u201d Zejnulahu said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking ahead, she advocates for expanding the initiative to include training for law enforcement and judicial authorities. \u201cIt\u2019s vital for police and prosecutors to understand journalists\u2019 safety needs and working conditions.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fojo\u2019s initiative is setting a new standard for journalist safety and working conditions, ensuring media freedom is not just an ideal but a practical reality in the Western Balkans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The project has been carried out with the support of the Swedish Institute.<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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