AJM: Unprecedented labeling of the media by Prime Minister Kovacevski

The practice of inappropriate communication about the work of the media continues even from the President of the Government.

To a journalist’s question whether Prime Minister Kovacevski will distance himself from Ahmeti in the context of the statement that he labels the media, Kovacevski said: “I believe that Mr. Ahmeti made that statement based on facts, and you will have to ask him for an explanation.” Since I also have my personal opinion about the media, I can give my personal opinion on how some media behave. As far as I am concerned, I can say that there are media in the country whose editorial policy resembles a company that trades in energy, and there is also a media whose editorial policy resembles a party’s communication department.

Suppose politicians and public officials believe that certain media content is not in accordance with the Code of Ethics for journalists. In that case, they can submit a complaint to the media self-regulatory bodies, i.e., the Council of Honor at AJM and the Council for Ethics in the Media of Macedonia. This kind of narrative initiated by the prime minister is a severe form of pressure on journalists and the media, which discredits them and discourages them from dealing with topics of public interest.

This kind of attitude by Prime Minister Kovacevski is unprofessional and highly unacceptable because today, we reacted to the scandalous statement to the media of his coalition partner Ahmeti. This practice of inappropriate communication can threaten the safety of journalists and media workers, thereby encouraging censorship in a broader context. We remind you that public officials and other representatives of the Government should have a higher degree of tolerance when they have public criticism of their work. At the same time, the professional standards of the journalistic profession are met.