It’s not easy to report the truth in the Western Balkans.
A significant proportion of the media here is either a mouthpiece for the ruling parties or a vehicle for other powerful elites determined to push their own agendas. This results in media that is riddled with disinformation powered by foreign and domestic political forces that threaten the very fabric of democracy.
#CheckitFirst is ARTICLE19’s new campaign to promote ethical journalism and prevent the spread of fake news in Bosnia & Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro and Serbia.
We are working alongside journalists and media professionals to improve the accuracy of news reporting and boost media literacy among the public in the region. When journalists like you are free to create media that is accurate, honest and impartial, you build a landscape where truth thrives and disinformation crumbles – ultimately helping to create a more democratic society.
Ethical Journalism Awards winners
Sign the Ethical Journalism Pledge
Endorse the pledge of upholding ethical journalism principles:
I, the undersigned, pledge to adhere to the professional principles of ethical journalism. By signing this pledge, I commit to fully incorporating the code of conduct from my country in my reporting.
#CheckitFirst first round jury
Second round jury
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Ethical Journalism Awards
Disinformation is eroding democracy in the Western Balkans, fuelling social divisions, and even putting lives at risk. Take action by submitting a story to our journalism awards. Showcase your commitment to ethical journalism standards by entering our awards and taking a public step towards combating disinformation in your country. Winners will get EUR1,000 in prize money, a chance to write an Op-Ed and think piece for ARTICLE19, and a study trip to Brussels and London. Submission for journalist awards is closed. Announcement of winners will be made on 29 April.
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#CheckitFirst Partners
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#CheckitFirst Ethical Journalism Pledge
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#CheckitFirst campaign is part of an EU funded regional project focusing on tackling foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI). This project seeks to contribute to more democratic resilience to FIMI and to lessen chances of inter-communal conflict caused by FIMI in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro and Serbia.
This campaign is funded by the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of ARTICLE19 and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.