Ethical Standards in Focus: Journalists from Tetovo and Gostivar Debate Revisions to the Code of Ethics

The conclusion of the regional meeting organized by the Association of Journalists of Macedonia (AJM) on December 20, 2024, in Tetovo was clear: strengthening ethical standards and refining criteria for journalist independence are essential for preserving professional integrity. Over 30 media representatives from Tetovo and Gostivar participated in discussions that emphasized the necessity of addressing modern challenges, including commercial pressures and the blurred lines between journalists and influencers.

Dragan Sekulovski, Executive Director of AJM, opened the event by underscoring the need to adapt the Code of Ethics to contemporary media trends, including technological advancements and new forms of communication. He highlighted that building public trust in the media relies on clear and consistent standards.

Urim Hasipi, AJM’s coordinator for the Polog region, stressed the importance of local collaboration, noting that close communication at the regional level will help advance the profession and ensure the public interest is served.

Focus on Ethical Issues and Media Responsibility

The workshop provided a platform for constructive debate. Participants analyzed challenges related to funding, advertising, and the boundaries between journalism and influencer culture. The need for clear distinctions to ensure that journalists remain independent and impartial in their reporting was strongly emphasized.

Members of the working group—Mirče Adamčevski, Sefer Tahiri, and Fatos Musliu—discussed the impact of politics, business interests, and digitalization on journalism, highlighting that new ethical guidelines should aim to protect journalistic integrity.

Next Steps: Strengthening Ethical Standards

The working group tasked with revising the Code of Ethics, in collaboration with the Council of Media Ethics of Macedonia (CMEM) and the Macedonian Institute for Media (MIM), aims to lead the process of modernizing ethical standards in journalism. This initiative will contribute to improving professional ethics and media accountability in Macedonia.

The event was part of the broader media literacy initiative, “Youth Think,” supported by USAID and IREX, which focuses on fostering critical thinking and ethical responsibility in journalism.

With clear standards and precise guidelines, journalists remain true to their mission: fact-based reporting without compromise from commercial or political influences.