OSCE promotes co-operation between journalists from Prishtinë/Priština, Belgrade in investigative reporting

PRISHTINЁ/PRIŠTINA, 24 May 2011 – Participants at an OSCE-organized seminar that concluded today agreed that stronger co-operation between journalists and a working environment free from undue pressure are prerequisites for successful investigative reporting.

The two-day seminar on reporting on organized crime and corruption gathered journalists from Prishtinë/Priština and Belgrade, in a joint project by the OSCE Mission in Kosovo and the OSCE Mission to Serbia.

Participants heard from a number of panelists representing law enforcement agencies, civil society organizations, media sector, and the international community. Much of the discussion focused on the numerous obstacles faced by investigative journalists, ranging from economic pressures to overt threats and intimidation.

“Successful investigative journalism requires stronger information sharing and networking. Co-operation is therefore crucial since corruption and organized crime know no boundaries. Accordingly this need not to be a lonely pursuit as journalists throughout the region face many of the same challenges and combat the same threats,” said Ambassador Werner Almhofer, Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo.

The seminar follows a similar event organized in Belgrade in November 2010, aimed at improving co-operation between media professionals in the pursuit of investigative journalism. Future events including journalists from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Montenegro are also planned.

"These events are a good way to build new links and relations, indispensable for reestablishing societies that have lost mutual trust. The media and journalists have a role in bringing down the prejudices, and conveying a realistic picture to people who live with the same or similar problems," said Irina Ivic, an RTS journalist who participated at the event.   

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo supports media development and helped establish the Independent Media Commission and the Press Council of Kosovo, two of the main media regulatory bodies. The Mission also carries out periodic assessments and publishes reports on media in Kosovo, including its role in representing the interests of non-Albanian communities. The OSCE will continue to support further development of investigative journalism in Kosovo.