Support and Proposals from the Association of Journalists of Macedonia (AJM) to the New Composition of the MRT Program Council

The focus of today’s working meeting between the Association of Journalists of Macedonia (AJM) and part of the new composition of the MRT Program Council was on several strategic topics of fundamental importance for improving the operation of the public broadcasting service. The president of the AJM, Mladen Chadikovski, presented the Association’s proposals concerning editorial and institutional independence, financial sustainability, regional coverage, and the status of media professionals at MRT.

One of the priorities highlighted was the need for reform of the legal framework to ensure full autonomy of the public service, protection from political and other external influences, as well as the establishment of mechanisms such as an ethical ombudsman and a strengthened role for the Ethical Commission. Among the proposals, the following stand out as priorities that are achievable in the near future:
– Establishment of local correspondent centers of MRT, aimed at providing national coverage, especially in rural and underrepresented areas;
– Modernization of technical equipment, field logistics, and capacities;
– Alignment of digital operations with new trends in professional journalism.

In addition, the necessity of a long-term investment and development plan was discussed, which will contribute to journalistic independence and quality working conditions for cameramen, editors, and other media professionals.

The meeting was attended by the three newly elected members of the MRT Program Council who received support from the AJM during the selection phase in the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia: Davor Pashoski – Chairperson, Patriot Lumani – Deputy Chairperson, and Marjan Velevski – Member. The meeting concluded with a joint readiness for constructive and regular communication between the AJM and the Council, in the interest of advancing the public service as a professional and independent media outlet serving the citizens.