In defense of the best profession in the world: Journalism in Kosova amid hope and political and economic pressures

Journalism in Kosova is not just a profession but a civic mission

The renowned Colombian writer and journalist Gabriel García Márquez once described journalism as “the best profession in the world,” portraying it as a field where individuals have the privilege to change something every day. This statement is not merely a romantic tribute to the profession but also a call for responsibility, courage, and integrity. In a world engulfed by disinformation, polarization, and political and economic pressures, free and professional journalism remains one of the most important tools for safeguarding democracy and truth. Within this context, developments in the media landscape in Kosova deserve special attention, particularly in light of recent reports from both local and international organizations.

In recent years, the media in Kosova has made significant progress toward professionalism and platform diversity. The emergence of new independent media, specialized investigative journalism portals, and podcasts addressing previously overlooked topics demonstrates a positive and sustainable transformation. Public media services, such as Radio Television of Kosova (RTK), have come under scrutiny by public opinion and the international community for necessary reforms, aiming to offer more quality and inclusive programming.

Some traditional media outlets have made important contributions to investigative journalism by exposing corruption, abuses in the public and private sectors, and addressing issues related to justice, good governance, and human rights. Another positive development is the increasing participation of women journalists and representatives of ethnic communities in the media space, reflecting progress toward equality and pluralism.

However, journalism in Kosova remains a profession practiced under difficult conditions, influenced by political, economic, and social pressures. In the 2025 World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Kosova experienced a drastic drop of 24 places, ranking 99th out of 180 countries. This is the steepest decline recorded in the last 15 years and places Kosova at the lowest ranking in the Western Balkans for this year.

According to RSF’s report, Kosova’s decline in the index is due to several factors:
• Political influence in media regulation: Recent legal reforms have weakened the independence of the Independent Media Commission (IMC), further endangering its autonomy. RTK also faces accusations of direct political interference, especially in the appointment of its boards and management. Some private media outlets often function as mouthpieces for political and economic interest groups;
• Lack of access to public information: Journalists face significant difficulties in obtaining information from state institutions, negatively impacting accurate, balanced, and fact-based reporting;
• Threats to journalist safety: Physical and verbal attacks against journalists have increased. Threats, insults, and instances of physical violence often go unpunished, fostering a deep sense of impunity and undermining freedom of expression;
• Disinformation and cyberattacks: The spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories, often sponsored by foreign networks with anti-Kosova agendas, has created a harmful environment for professional journalism. This directly affects the quality of public debate and increases polarization; and
• Economic pressure and censorship: Media outlets face serious financial challenges that threaten editorial independence. Low wages, lack of formal employment contracts, and pressure to produce click-driven content negatively impact the quality of journalism and increase the risk of self-censorship.

In this complex context, journalism in Kosova is not just a profession but a civic mission. Being a journalist often means personal sacrifice, confronting pressure, and constantly fighting to maintain professional integrity. At the same time, it is also a privilege, as Márquez emphasized, because a truthful article, a courageous investigation, or a deep analysis can change lives, inspire justice, or defend truth against manipulation.

In recent years, several journalists and media outlets in Kosova have stood out for reporting that has led to real change, from exposing corruption in public procurement to reporting on domestic violence that prompted official investigations, as well as documentaries spotlighting injustices against marginalized communities.

Civil society and international organizations play an irreplaceable role in supporting free journalism in Kosova. Support for training, grants for investigative journalism, and diplomatic pressure on institutions that fail to guarantee media freedom are some of the key mechanisms for protecting a free and critical public space.

Moreover, Kosova’s active engagement in international organizations that monitor media freedom, such as RSF or regional investigative journalism networks, would help strengthen standards and increase transparency.

To build sustainable journalism in Kosova, an integrated approach is needed. Institutions must guarantee media freedom and prioritize the handling of threats against journalists. Stable financial resources must be ensured for public and independent media. Media literacy in schools, support for investigative journalism, and legal protection for media professionals are essential to create a safer environment for truth.

In conclusion, despite the challenges, journalism in Kosova has demonstrated remarkable maturity and commitment to progress. It remains one of the main pillars of democracy, human rights, and institutional accountability. And as long as there are journalists who believe in their mission to change society through truth, Márquez’s words remain relevant: to be a journalist is to have the privilege of changing something every day. /The Balkan Report/