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. Through it, 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.
Join us by nominating a news story for our Ethical Journalism Awards below.
Ethical Journalism Awards: submissions now closed.
#CheckitFirst first round jury
Olivera Nikolić, Director of Montenegro Media Institute since 2017, is a freelance journalist with degree from the Faculty of Political Sciences in Podgorica, specialising in Diplomacy and International Relations.
Olivera Nikolić, Director of Montenegro Media Institute since 2017, is a freelance journalist with degree from the Faculty of Political Sciences in Podgorica, specialising in Diplomacy and International Relations. She has contributed to various domestic and international media outlets including Antena M, Radio Deutsche Welle, TV ARD, TV BBC, Radio Free Europe and Beta news. Olivera has also served as a local expert and consultant for UNICEF and the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), specialising in media education. In the past four years, she has led projects focused on journalism ethics, media literacy, and education, organising numerous workshops and training sessions.
Matija Otašević is an experienced communications professional. He is currently responsible for managing strategic communication at a prominent think tank organisation in Montenegro.
Matija Otašević is an experienced communications professional. Currently, he is responsible for managing strategic communication at a prominent think tank organisation in Montenegro—the Atlantic Council of Montenegro—which is dedicated to advancing NATO and EU values within the country. His journey in the communications field commenced as a news reporter for Vijesti Television in Podgorica, Montenegro. Following this, Otašević transitioned to the telecommunications realm, joining Crnogorski Telekom (a member of the Deutsche Telekom Group) as Corporate Communications Manager. He holds a degree in Comparative Literature and Literary Theory from the Faculty of Philology at the University of Belgrade.
Prof. dr. Enes Osmančević is an associate professor at the University of Tuzla’s Faculty of Philosophy, holding a doctoral degree in journalistic sciences.
Prof. dr. Enes Osmančević is an associate professor at the University of Tuzla’s Faculty of Philosophy, holding a doctoral degree in journalistic sciences. He graduated from the University of Sarajevo’s Faculty of Political Sciences and is a member of the Committee for Political Science at the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Dr. Osmančević has participated in international academic exchanges and specialist programs in the U.S and Belgium. As a former president of the Association of US Alumni in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and a member of the Council and Assembly of Transparency International and the Appeals Commission of the Press Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina, he’s contributed significantly to academic research and media-related initiatives, authoring six books and numerous papers on informatization, new media, and public opinion.
Ivana Vidmar has over 23 years of experience in journalism. She has worked for various radio and TV stations in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Ivana Vidmar has over 23 years of experience in journalism. She has worked for various radio and TV stations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, ranging from local to national television, taking on roles from journalist to editor. She is the author of a TV car shows, served twice as a spokesperson at Eurovision, and reported from NATO Summits.
Serbeze Haxhiaj, an investigative journalist and news editor in Pristina, Kosovo, focuses on corruption, human rights, security, extremism, terrorism, and war crimes.
Serbeze Haxhiaj, an investigative journalist and news editor in Pristina, Kosovo, focuses on corruption, human rights, security, extremism, terrorism, and war crimes. She works at Radio Television of Kosovo and Balkaninsight, having previously contributed to Rilindja, Zeri, Lajm, and Koha Ditore newspapers. Haxhiaj’s work extends to international publications like The Financial Times, Der Standard, Neue Zurcher Zeitung, and Al Jazeera. She’s also been a researcher for the U.S research and analysis company Navanti. She has earned 19 awards for her reporting on war crimes, human rights, organized crime, corruption, and violence against women, including recognition from the European Union in 2020.
Jovana Radosavljević serves as the Executive Director of the NGO New Social Initiative, located in North Mitrovica.
Jovana Radosavljević serves as the Executive Director of the NGO New Social Initiative, located in North Mitrovica. Her primary areas of expertise and commitment revolve around the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, community rights, election processes, and conflict transformation. Jovana holds a master’s degree in international studies from the Joseph Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver. Furthermore, she also earned her bachelor’s degree in international politics from the Faculty of Political Science at the University of Belgrade. She graduated high school at Olney Friends School in Barnesville, OH.
Milena Popović, an experienced Serbian journalist, has served as Editor in Chief of the fact-checking outlet Istinomer for the past five years.
Milena Popović, an experienced Serbian journalist, has served as Editor in Chief of the fact-checking outlet Istinomer for the past five years. Her focus includes fact-checking, media research, manipulations, and policies. Prior to Istinomer and CRTA, she worked as a journalist for daily newspapers and as a freelance reporter for regional portals. Popović’s work has earned her accolades such as the “Golden Nike 2015” for best reportage at the International Reportage and Media Festival, INTERFER, and recognition at the festival “Miredita, dobar dan” for her contribution to the documentary film “Albanians are our sisters.
Ivana Stevanović is Executive Director at Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation (SCF), an organization established in honor of Slavko Ćuruvija.
Ivana Stevanović is Executive Director at Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation (SCF), an organization established in honor of Slavko Ćuruvija, journalist and owner of Daily Telegraph and Evropljanin magazine, murdered in 1999. The Foundation supports free and independent journalism through enhancing professionalism and ethical standards in media, capacity building of journalists and advocacy for effective protection of journalists’ safety. From mid 90s until 2006, Ivana worked as a journalist at independent media outlets Radio Index, Blic, Demokratija and Radio B92.
Second round jury
Danica Ilić is an experienced journalist, and former Radio B92 and BBC World Service News Editor; She is an expert on ethical media standards in the digital age, responsible use of technology in reporting, and countering disinformation and misleading narratives.
Danica Ilić is an experienced journalist, and former Radio B92 and BBC World Service News Editor; She is an expert on ethical media standards in the digital age, responsible use of technology in reporting, and countering disinformation and misleading narratives; as a media consultant and workshop facilitator, she worked with independent media and marginalised communities in the Western Balkans, China, Russia, Ukraine, and the Middle East. She is currently leading the Ethical Journalism Network project on building trust in the media in the Western Balkans.
Dragan Kremer has a diverse background in journalism, marketing, and media development with over 20 years of experience as a freelance journalist across former Yugoslavia and successor states.
Dragan Kremer has a diverse background in journalism, marketing, and media development. With over 20 years of experience as a freelance journalist across former Yugoslavia and successor states, he later ventured into marketing, including advertising and PR agencies. Transitioning to media development, he worked as a trainer and network coordinator, eventually becoming a Media Advisor with international agencies like USAID partners Internews and IREX ProMedia. Kremer has also managed programs for minority language and Roma media, coordinated Public Interest Media and Freedom of Expression programs at OSF, consulted for organizations like OSCE and EUD, and served as Deputy Team Leader for the British Council’s Media for All project before joining EPD as Project Director for ‘Combatting Disinformation in Western Balkans’ in January 2023.
Dr. Željka Lekić-Subašić, a journalist and producer with 29 years of experience, currently leads as the Head of the ERNO (Eurovision News Exchange for Southeast Europe) Coordination Office in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Dr. Željka Lekić-Subašić, a journalist and producer with 29 years of experience, currently leads as the Head of the ERNO (Eurovision News Exchange for Southeast Europe) Coordination Office in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, overseeing news exchanges and co-productions among eleven Public Service Media organizations. Her extensive contributions to media cooperation earned her the Dr. Erhard Busek – SEEMO Award for Better Understanding in Southeast Europe in 2014. She teaches media-related courses at Sarajevo School of Science and Technology and holds Ph.D., MA, and Bachelor’s degrees in media, international politics, and journalism, respectively. Additionally, she completed an Executive Program in News Innovation and Leadership at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism, City University of New York, in June 2023.
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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.
FAQs
Foreign disinformation, information manipulation, and interference (FIMI) have been prevalent throughout the Western Balkans, and recent events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, have exacerbated the situation. Various factors contribute to the Western Balkans’ susceptibility to disinformation. These include political factors like concentrated power, corruption, and impunity among political elites; societal factors like social divisions and ethnic nationalism; economic factors like corruption, weak economic policies, and organised crime.
In the four countries, journalists face challenges in adhering to ethical journalism standards. This can be attributed to the financial instability and funding models of media outlets, as well as the limited job security for journalists, along with external pressures from political and business circles.
This campaign is reclaiming your power and rebuilding trust in journalism. By endorsing professional standards, you’re not just ticking a box – you’re championing ethical journalism. Here’s what we want to achieve:
- Better adherence by journalists with ethical journalism, as a means to counter disinformation in the media
- Encourage a commitment to the principles of ethical journalism that are the foundation of the profession
- Promote reliable news sources from media organisations, contributing to a positive media ecosystem
- Encourage people to demand fairness from journalists and media in their reporting, enable them to receive accurate information and to thus lower dissemination of disinformation across the media in the four countries
Join us. Lead the charge for journalism with integrity.
The Western Balkans region is not immune from disinformation resulting from global crises like COVID or the Ukraine war. This vulnerability is exploited by ruling parties and foreign powers like China and Russia who aim to manipulate public opinion.
The media, once considered the bastion of democracy, is facing challenges as it grapples with clickbait and propaganda. Media organisations and journalists often struggle to find the motivation to uphold ethical standards, which can contribute to the spread of disinformation.
When citizens are exposed to fabricated fear and manipulated facts, trust in the media erodes, elections lose their integrity, civic engagement can transform into blind rage, and the foundations of our societies crumble under the weight of lies.
We call for ethical journalism. Journalists should wield the power of truth and reliable information. A low adherence by journalists to ethical journalism standards, damages the credibility of the media as a whole.
The region needs beacons of light to dispel the darkness of disinformation and lead the charge towards a future built on increased trust, transparency and accountability.
There are five principles of ethical journalism:
- truth & accuracy: respect the truth and do everything possible to get the facts right, including checking and cross-checking, and admitting when this isn’t possible.
- independence: journalists must pledge to have an independent voice, without political or business affiliations. Where there are conflicts of interest, these should be declared.
- fairness & impartiality: reporting with balance builds trust.
- do no harm: do not feed into prejudice, racism, hate speech and other harmful attitudes; be aware of the impact reporting will have on the safety of others.
- accountability: be accountable to readers by listening, apologising for errors and correcting them.
For more, see https://ethicaljournalismnetwork.org
Ethical journalism is vital to the preservation and health of democracy. It serves as a cornerstone, empowering citizens by providing accurate information and fostering an informed citizenry. Acting as watchdogs, journalists expose corruption and hold those in power accountable, contributing to transparency and trust in the government.
The self-regulation model is a framework that relies entirely on voluntary compliance: legislation plays no role in enforcing the relevant standards. It exists to hold its members accountable to the public, to promote knowledge within its membership and to develop and promote respect for ethical standards. Those organisations that commit to this type of regulation do so not under threat of legal sanction, but for positive reasons such as the desire to further the development and credibility of their profession and sector. Self-regulation models rely first and foremost on members’ common understanding of the values and ethics that underpin their professional conduct.
A code of ethics is a set of principles aimed at guiding journalists in fair reporting.
In today’s expansive communications landscape, ethical codes play a crucial role in combating issues like hate speech and misinformation in the media. These codes advocate for the integration of the principles of ethical journalism with the press and are informed by the global ethical journalism principles. The IFJ Global Charter of Ethics for Journalists is the first global code of ethics for journalists (https://www.ifj.org/who/rules-and-policy/global-charter-of-ethics-for-journalists)
They guide journalists to report information in an ethical manner that respects the values enshrined by the principles.
- Ensure you are up to date with the ethical journalism standards that are the cornerstone of your profession. Visit the Ethical Journalism Network for more.
- Participate in ARTICLE19s campaign and publicly endorse ethical journalism principles by entering our media awards.
- Integrate ethical journalism standards in your reporting.
- Use precise language to avoid the spread of misinformation.
- Join calls for laws that ensure media freedom, diversity and pluralism.
Get involved with ARTICLE 19
#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.