AJM and CEMM: State officials again attack journalists – this behavior must stop!
The Association of Journalists of Macedonia (AJM) and the Council for Ethics in the Media of Macedonia (CEMM) strongly condemn the attitude of the Minister of Economy, Kreshnik Bekteshi, who, according to information in the media, commented today during a press conference in an inappropriate, impudent and unacceptable manner that the journalist from Channel 5 television Katerina Kapkoska asks questions on behalf of other fellow journalists, instead of answering a specific question of public interest. It was a question related to the increase in the price of natural gas, asked by a colleague during a press conference in the RSM Government, to whose invitation the media responded with their presence, Bekteşi instead of an adequate answer to a question, Kapkoska was answered in the following way:
“YOU HAVE AN INCREDIBLY GOOD COLLABORATION WITH YOUR COLLEAGUES, SO THEY GIVE YOU THE QUESTIONS THEY WANT TO ASK… BUT WHAT CAN YOU DO…”
At the same event, journalist Ognen Čančarević directly condemned the behavior of Minister Bekteši, to which he received a response from him that journalists are here to ask questions and not to make comments.
This is not an isolated case, but a negative trend of behavior toward journalists that is increasing. That is why AJM will inform the partner organizations, including the OSCE, the European Federation of Journalists – EFJ, and the Council of Europe.
State officials are at the service of the public and there must not be such a way of communication, which is extremely inappropriate, insolent, and insulting to journalists, and thus to the entire public to whom the information should be conveyed. Inappropriate behavior with journalists, who play an important role in informing the public, can undermine trust in the holder of public office, as well as in the institution they represent. This can negatively affect the reputation of both the individual and the organization, potentially leading to consequences such as loss of public trust, reduced public support, and even formal sanctions. That is why it is important that they behave in a manner that is respectful and professional towards journalists, even in challenging situations.
By following these guidelines, the minister can ensure that they behave in a professional and respectful manner towards journalists, while also effectively communicating their messages to the public.
Reminder, this is the fourth negative outburst of a politician towards journalists in the past period, and the first three were by Dimitar Kovacevski, Ali Ahmeti, and yesterday’s case in the Ministry of Education.
It is time that the officials realize the seriousness of their position before the public and stop direct verbal attacks and insinuations about the professional approach to the work of journalists.
