AJM and SSNM: The Closure of RFE Is a Loss for the Public Interest, Support for Independent Media Is Needed

The Association of Journalists of Macedonia (AJM) and the Independent Trade Union of Journalists and Media Workers (SSNM) express regret over the closure of the Macedonian service of Radio Free Europe. This is yet another serious blow to critical, professional, and publicly accountable journalism not only in Macedonia, but also across the region and globally at a time when the public needs more verified information, not less.

For decades, Radio Free Europe has been a recognizable media voice of freedom, accountability, and the public interest. The Macedonian service existed since 2001 and, by opening important social issues and maintaining high professional standards, left a deep mark on informing citizens. We extend sincere solidarity, respect, and encouragement to our colleagues who have lost their jobs. Their work, integrity, and contribution to the public interest must not be overlooked or treated as mere collateral damage of political and budgetary decisions.

This development once again demonstrates that without stable, fair, and transparent support mechanisms, pluralistic journalism remains vulnerable. Therefore, AJM and SSNM reiterate that establishing a Media Pluralism Fund is not a matter of goodwill, but a democratic necessity and a precondition for fostering quality, diverse, and public-oriented journalism. The Council of Europe has for years called on states to develop strategies and mechanisms for the sustainability of a diverse media ecosystem and to create a favorable environment for quality journalism as a public good.

We also recall that in Macedonia this issue is not new. Within the media reform agenda supported by the European Union, a draft Law on Media was prepared in 2023, which includes provisions for the creation of such a fund. Additionally, AJM reports indicate that previously prepared draft laws already stipulate the establishment of a Media Pluralism and Diversity Fund, and these were submitted to the relevant ministries, but without further progress. This means that solutions exist and should be translated into practice.

AJM and SSNM therefore call on the Government and all relevant institutions to, without further delay, resume the process of establishing a Media Pluralism Fund as an independent, fair, and transparent mechanism that will protect the public interest, strengthen editorial diversity, and contribute to better working conditions for journalists and media workers. This is also of particular importance for encouraging local journalism and local media, as well as for promoting topics of local public interest.

Otherwise, we will continue to witness the weakening of critical voices, the closure of newsrooms, and the further impoverishment of the media space both at the national level and, even more so, at the local level.

Today, as one important media voice falls silent, the message must be clear: the defense of media pluralism must not remain declarative concrete policies and institutional accountability are needed.