OSCE Kosovo Mission hosts conference on protection of journalists
OSCE holds a media training course for radio journalists in Pristina. (Lubomir Kotek/OSCE) Photo details
PRISTINA, 13 December 2001 - The ability of journalists in Kosovo to report accurately and professionally is often hindered by violations of their right to freedom of expression. Journalists will be discussing their experiences in pursuing and investigating stories at a conference organized by the Kosovo Temporary Media Commissioner and the OSCE Mission in Kosovo this Saturday, 15 December.
The conference aims to assist the development of professional media and ensure freedom of access to information. It also aims to raise awareness about the forms of violation of press and media freedoms that inhibit investigative reporting - threats, intimidation, and the intention to instil fear.
At the conference, international journalists will speak about the development of journalistic tradition in their countries. Participants will review the role of the media in promoting democratic principles through reliable and balanced reporting, and ways of ensuring media are protected when carrying out their duties.
The participants will also meet political representatives and police officials to discuss how authorities interact with journalists, how media hold public figures accountable, and how pressure from public authorities interferes with the work of journalists.
In preparation for this conference, the OSCE conducted a survey among journalists in Kosovo to assess the level of threat, interference and intimidation faced by the media. The results of the survey and the concerns voiced by journalists during the conference will provide the basis for special training courses, such as techniques of investigative journalism.
The OSCE has provided regular training aimed at develop the media and strengthening the quality of journalism in Kosovo, and will continue to offer programmes designed to promote professional journalism.
All media are invited to attend the conference:
Location: Radio Production Centre, Internews Kosovo, University of Pristina Date: 15 December 2001 Time: 10.00 to 17.30 hrs
The conference aims to assist the development of professional media and ensure freedom of access to information. It also aims to raise awareness about the forms of violation of press and media freedoms that inhibit investigative reporting - threats, intimidation, and the intention to instil fear.
At the conference, international journalists will speak about the development of journalistic tradition in their countries. Participants will review the role of the media in promoting democratic principles through reliable and balanced reporting, and ways of ensuring media are protected when carrying out their duties.
The participants will also meet political representatives and police officials to discuss how authorities interact with journalists, how media hold public figures accountable, and how pressure from public authorities interferes with the work of journalists.
In preparation for this conference, the OSCE conducted a survey among journalists in Kosovo to assess the level of threat, interference and intimidation faced by the media. The results of the survey and the concerns voiced by journalists during the conference will provide the basis for special training courses, such as techniques of investigative journalism.
The OSCE has provided regular training aimed at develop the media and strengthening the quality of journalism in Kosovo, and will continue to offer programmes designed to promote professional journalism.
All media are invited to attend the conference:
Location: Radio Production Centre, Internews Kosovo, University of Pristina Date: 15 December 2001 Time: 10.00 to 17.30 hrs