Joint Commitment to Protecting Journalists as a Prerequisite for Greater Safety of Media Workers

Sharing the key risks faced by journalists and media workers, as well as the mechanisms institutions apply for their protection, was the focus of today’s expert discussion held in Skopje. Participants exchanged experiences on trends in physical and online threats, the effects of the new legal solutions, as well as the police and judicial procedures activated when journalists and media workers are attacked. Special emphasis was placed on the role of newsrooms and the regulator in creating a safer working environment, as well as on the need for stronger cross-sector coordination and faster, more efficient institutional response.

In his address, the Executive Director of AJM, Dragan Sekulovski, emphasized that despite the reduced number of physical attacks in 2025, the work of journalists is not becoming easier:

“Online pressures grow every day. Our priority is that every threat—from an online comment to a physical attack—be recognized and treated seriously and institutionally.”

The representative of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, Valon Sadiki, stressed that safety is not only a technical but also a societal issue: “Journalists can work freely only in an environment that protects them. That is why the joint efforts of all stakeholders are of utmost importance.”

The General Secretary of the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), Ricardo Gutiérrez, also addressed the participants, warning that the issue of impunity remains crucial: “When there is no adequate reaction and accountability, space is created for potential new threats and attacks. This is a European challenge, not just a local one.”

The Head of the Department for Audio-Visual Policies at the Ministry of Digital Transformation, Mishko Taleski, also spoke at the event, discussing digital transformation and media safety, highlighting the importance of digital tools and support systems in protecting journalists and media workers.

Journalist Ognen Chancharevikj from TV Telma shared his personal field experience: “Thorough planning is always necessary; sometimes a second of careful assessment is more important than the entire report. When you are on the scene, the risks are very real.”

Adrian Kerimi, editor at TV Alsat, reminded participants of the importance of editorial support: “The editor is the one who must ensure the plan, protocol, and support. A reporter must not be left to figure things out alone.”

Representatives of the Ministry of Interior, the Public Prosecutor’s Office, and the Agency for Audio and Audiovisual Media Services (AVMS) emphasized their joint commitment to improving the system for protecting journalists and media workers. Ivana Stojanovska from AVMS reflected on the regulator’s role in building a safer and more supportive media environment. This was followed by an address from the Assistant Minister for Public Relations and Strategic Issues at the Ministry of Interior, Muhamed Ismaili, who presented the current police protocols and procedures for responding to attacks on journalists, noting that their implementation is already resulting in more visible institutional responses.

From the judicial sector, prosecutor Dejan Petrevski from the Basic Public Prosecutor’s Office in Skopje provided an overview of the ongoing challenges in processing cases related to threats and violence against journalists, emphasizing the need for continuous coordination among all relevant institutions.

The event concluded with a joint message that improving journalist safety requires continuous work, mutual trust, and functional institutional responses. AJM remains committed to this goal and to active partnership with relevant institutions and international organizations.

The Association of Journalists of Macedonia (AJM), in cooperation with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation (FES) in Skopje, organized this event held on 19 November in Skopje.