Association of Journalists of Macedonia (AJM)

Total budget: 3,240,057 MKD

Implementation period: 01.01.2026 – 31.10.2026 (10 months)

Specific topic: Anti-corruption and investigative journalism

Partners:

Macedonian Institute for Media (MIM)

Constituents:

Journalists and editors from local, private, and national media

Journalists and editors from Macedonian Radio Television (MRT)

Media professionals and media organisations

Citizens as users of media content

About the project supported by Civica Mobilitas: Strengthening Ethical Standards for Greater Trust in the Media

A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SELECTED SPECIFIC TOPIC

The action includes an inclusive process of revising and adopting the new Code of Ethics of Journalists of Macedonia, its translation, printing, and wide distribution to media outlets. Additionally, a national media campaign with video content is implemented to raise public awareness about the importance of ethical journalism. The project also includes educational activities through trainings for journalists from local media and for journalists and editors from MRT, as well as the preparation of an analytical study with recommendations for improving ethical standards in the public service broadcaster.

OBJECTIVES AND RESULTS

Overall objective:
To promote responsible and inclusive local governance through the development and application of an AI tool that will enable young people to actively participate in decision-making in Krushevo, Kumanovo, and Tetovo.

Specific objectives:

Revision and promotion of the new Code of Ethics of Journalists accepted by media organisations and professionals
Increasing public awareness of the need for ethical and independent journalism through a media campaign
Strengthening the professional capacities of journalists (including institutional capacities of MRT) to respect ethical standards and independence

RESULTS

Developed and validated new Code of Ethics
The Code is accepted by media organisations and professionals (wider application of the Code in the media)
Developed and published media campaign (including video products) for promotion of ethical standards
Public promotional event held to familiarise citizens with the Code and media standards
Two two-day trainings on ethical journalism organised – one for local/private media and one for journalists and editors from MRT
Strengthened cooperation between journalist organisations, media, and MRT for long-term improvement of ethical practices
Analytical study prepared and submitted on possible amendments to the MRT Code, aiming to strengthen ethical and professional standards and ensure a formal mechanism for recommendations from the Programme Council to MRT

ACTIVITIES

Organisation of 4 working meetings for consultations with journalists and editors to finalise the text of the Code
Preparation of the final version of the Code based on received suggestions
Translation of the Code into 8 languages (including Macedonian, Albanian, and English) for wider accessibility
Printing and distribution of the Code (including electronic format) to 150 traditional and online media outlets
Organisation of a promotional event with participation of relevant stakeholders such as media professionals, editors, managers, professional media organisations, self-regulatory bodies, other civil society organisations, as well as representatives of institutions, political parties, and the international community
Preparation of scripts and production of 15 short videos (each lasting 1 minute) for each article of the new Code of Ethics with a focus on the importance of journalistic ethics
Uploading and promotion of videos on online platforms (YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, etc.), monitoring statistics (views, shares)
Preparation of additional media content (social media posts, short videos/reels) to inform about the Code
Development of a training programme and materials (topics: ethics, professionalism, independence) and linkage with the Training Academy for Journalists and Media Workers of AJM (T-AJM)
Delivery of training for media professionals (15 participants – with focus on local media)
Delivery of training for journalists/editors from MRT (15 participants)
Monitoring and evaluation of the training (pre- and post-tests/surveys, certificates issued)
Review of the current MRT Code and identification of problematic or incomplete provisions
Consultations with media experts, journalists, and members of the Programme Council to gather insights and recommendations
Preparation of an analytical study with concrete proposals for amendments and added value for independence and ethical standards
Submission of the final study to the Programme Council and preparation of a formal letter to MRT with recommendations
Presentation/working meeting with MRT members for additional clarification of the proposed amendments