Meeting of the Journalism Forum at AJM: solidarity in the field is a prerequisite for better journalism

Thirty editors and senior journalists as well as representatives of civil society organizations from the media sector debated issues related to local media policies. At this meeting was presented the new analysis of AJM in which are summarized the legal solutions that are important for the work of journalists and media entitled “Freedom of the media and the safety of journalists in RSM through the prism of the existing legal framework – How to get better solutions?”.

The current trends and developments in the media sphere were discussed at the meeting and the key findings of the conducted study were discussed, followed by a discussion on topics related to improving the safety of journalists and media workers, and improving legal solutions governing issues from the media field.

At the beginning of the event, Sasho Ordanoski, coordinator of the forum that chaired the meeting, greeted the journalists and media workers present: “Dear colleagues, I am glad that we gathered with physical presence to discuss current trends in the media and recent media developments. This was a difficult year, especially for media workers working in crisis situations, given the pandemic, so it’s good to see the lessons learned.”

The President of the Association of Journalists of Macedonia Mladen Chadikovski also addressed the meeting: “At this moment it is crucial to say that in the next period there are changes in several legal solutions that can greatly contribute to increasing professionalism in the media field in the country as it is the Criminal Code and the expectations with these changes i.e., to improve the safety of media workers. In addition, AJM worked intensively on the amendments to the Law on Civil Liability from Defamation and Insult, which requires even greater protection of journalists in this law, especially for compensation for non-pecuniary damage. Regarding the laws that after a few years are still unimplemented, I want to emphasize that in the coming period the  members of AAVMS and MRT will be elected and it is of particular importance only professionals to be part of those bodies, as it is the only way to professionalize the public service and the media regulator”- Chadikovski emphasized.

At the event, in addition to prominent editors and journalists, representatives of AJM sections as well as partner media organizations, had a constructive discussion and concluded that this format of sharing views is good and should continue in the future.

The Journalists’ Forum is an advisory body within AJM where prominent and experienced journalists and representatives of media organizations are members. This platform aims to contribute to the inclusive policy making of the association.

The event was organized within the regional project “Improving the dialogue between journalists’ associations and parliaments in the Western Balkans for a stronger civil society sector”, funded by SIDA through the project “Protecting Civic Space- Regional Civil Society Development Hub” implemented by the Balkan Civil Society Development Network (BCSDN).