Journalists from Bitola and Prilep debated the new ethical standards in the journalism profession

On March 17, 2026, the Association of Journalists of Macedonia (AJM) held a consultative meeting with journalists and editors from the regional center in Bitola, as part of the process of finalizing the new text of the Journalists’ Code.

The meeting was opened by Žaneta Zdravkovska, the coordinator of the Bitola regional center, who addressed the key challenges facing local journalism. The financial instability, the reduced number of local media, as well as the increasing influence of informal digital sources that do not adhere to ethical standards were emphasized. In addition, the limited capacities of the editorial offices and the difficult access to information from institutions were also highlighted.

Dragan Sekulovski, the executive director of AJM, spoke about the need to revise the Code, taking into account the changed working conditions and new media trends that were not covered in previous versions. At the same time, a review was made of the situation with the safety of journalists and the current activities of the AJM.

Within the framework of the project for revising the Code, the activities to date were presented by Biljana Nasteska – Kalanoska (AJM), as well as the next steps in the process, with an emphasis on the inclusiveness and involvement of the journalistic community in the creation of the final text.

Sefer Tahiri, the representative of the working group for amending the Code of Ethics for Journalists, presented the amendments to date and the introduction of new articles relating to artificial intelligence and the secret collection of data in conditions when the information cannot be obtained in any other way and there is a high public interest in it.

In the discussion, journalists from the Bitola regional center gave specific suggestions for improving the text of the Code. Among them were initiatives for the professional behavior of journalists on social networks, specifying the language regarding gender equality, as well as supplementing the provisions for the ethical use of photographs, audio and video materials. Joint support was also expressed for the return of certain articles relating to the culture of speech and preserving the reputation and dignity of the profession.

The participants agreed that it is necessary to further strengthen the capacities of local editorial offices through practical training, especially in the area of ​​digital skills, in order to improve the quality and professionalism of journalism.

The process of revising the existing Code will continue in the coming period with additional consultations, and the final proposal will be the result of a broad inclusive process with the participation of the journalistic community.

The working group consisting of representatives of the Association of Journalists of Macedonia, the Macedonian Media Institute and the Media Ethics Council began its activities in July 2024, and the new code is expected to be promoted in the second half of 2026.

Photo: AJM

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