OSCE Mission in Kosovo encourages regional co-operation among investigative journalists

An OSCE-organized conference on the risks and challenges of accessing information for investigative reporting purposes gathered journalists from Belgrade, Podgorica, Prishtinë/Priština, Sarajevo, Skopje, Tirana, in Prishtinë/Priština on 21 October 2011. 

“Uncovering the truth about significant and often controversial matters is hard work that is crucial for the development of democracy,” said the Deputy Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Edward Joseph.

“Investigative journalists are still hindered in their work by political and economic pressure, but this is not a reason to give up. Journalists should remain determined, develop co-operation and back each other up in the face of challenges,” Joseph added. “Today’s event aims to help journalists establish contacts and share information and practical advice on how to deal with these challenges.”

Journalists called for more professional training, improved financing, a full follow-up on stories by the media, and have asked for further international support in countering pressure exerted on journalists in the region.

“The situation of investigative journalism in Kosovo does not differ much from the rest of the region. Journalists know their profession well, but the conditions they work in need improvement. I have noticed that investigative journalists lack support even from the media outlets they work for. This sometimes results in a lack of motivation to go after the stories,” said Deputy Chairperson of the Association of Professional Journalists of Kosovo Arsim Lani.

This was the third regional conference on investigative journalism organized by the OSCE. The previous two took place in Belgrade in November 2010 and in Prishtinë/Priština in May 2011.

The OSCE Mission in Kosovo remains committed to supporting democratic development and media freedom.