Condemnation for misconduct of a MRTV journalist on Facebook

The Association of Journalists of Macedonia (AJM) and the Council of Media Ethics of Macedonia (CMEM) condemn the inappropriate posts of Macedonian Radio Television journalist Marija Kotovska on Facebook containing a call for mobilization during the Ilinden celebration at Mechkin Kamen.

Such calls, which contain elements of insult and humiliation towards a particular group, may be interpreted as an incitement to violence and discrimination and may cause radical behavior and hate speech. Public communication of this kind is in conflict with the provisions of MRTV’s Code of Ethics, which explicitly states that in any public performance MRTV employees “they must not adversely affect the public and the working environment, but are obliged to take into consideration MRT’s reputation and integrity at all stages of its operation”(Article 11). Therefore, the management of the public service broadcaster will be informed that it is necessary to take appropriate measures in respect of the journalist’s violation of the Code in order to prevent future conduct that is harmful not only to the television but also the public in general.

Such inappropriate outbursts discredit the entire journalistic community in general and journalism as a profession, which should foster tolerance and mutual understanding.

At the same time, we urge the institutions to provide a dignified celebration of Ilinden at Mechkin Kamen and implement measures through which journalists and media workers will be allowed to safely cover the event.