Building alliances for journalistic freedom and democratic society

The Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities – Skopje (ISSHS) in partnership with The Independent Union of Journalists and Media Workers in Macedonia (SSNM) and The Association for Democratic Initiatives (ADI) implemented the six month project “Building alliances for journalistic freedom and democratic society”, funded by USAID and the Institute Open Society – Macedonia.

The project aimed to provide the right to correct and fair information through increased involvement in social issues and media freedom and journalistic independence. One of the main goals was opening of a wider debate on the importance of media freedom and the general progress of individual citizens. Furthermore, the project was contributing in building a broad coalition of actors to exert pressure for transparent, democratic and participatory decision-making process regarding the legal framework for the media and journalists. In addition, work was undertaken in increasing the awareness and knowledge of citizens about the social role of the media and journalists.

The project conducted the preparatory activities for a successful realization of the project schedule and established contacts and cooperation with local and national civil society organizations that were involved in the delivery of public debates in cities and took part in meetings for networking.

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“Promotion of Investigative Journalism”

On 5.05.2014, in the great hall of the Council of the Municipality of Gostivar a Public Panel Discussion was held titled “Promotion of the Investigative Journalism.” The purpose of the discussion was to discuss the need for cooperation between representatives from the civil sector and journalists in the exchange of information that will serve as a facilitating factor in journalistic research.

The debate speakers were: Vlado Apostolov reporter (SSNM), Muhammad Tochi (“Mesecina”), Zoran Madzhoski reporter and Lulzim Haziri (“ADI”).

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“Reporting on civil rather than ethnic lines”

On 7.05.2014, at the CBC “Loja” – Tetovo a public debate took place on “Reporting on civil rather than ethnic lines.” The debate opened the issue of the media division along ethnic lines and their different ways of informing.

The debate speakers were: Dzelal Neziri (SCOOP) Sreten Kocevski-(CDI), Dragan Antonovski – (SSNM) and Bujar Ljuma (Loja).

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“The importance of the local freedom and media advocacy of civil rights”

On 12.05.2014, at the City Library Borka Taleski – Prilep a debate was held on “The importance of the local freedom and media advocacy of civil rights.” The debate opened discussion on the importance of constant communication between NGOs, local reporters and media topics of public interest to be able to get more attention and treatment in public.

The debate speakers were: Zvezdan Georgievski (SSNM) Frosina Dimeska (SSNM), Zoran Ilieski (SEGA) and Kalina Lecevska (ISSHS).

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“Solidarity of media with workers’ rights”

On 05/13/2014 at Hotel “Oaza” – Stip a public debate took place on “Solidarity of media with workers’ rights.” The debate was about the current situation in the media space in which stories about violations of labor rights receive little attention or did not receive at all.

The debate speakers were: Tamara Causidis (SSNM), Vasko Lazarevski -civil activist, Vesna Kolovska reporter, and Jordan Shishovski (ISSHS).

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“Improving communication and cooperation between NGOs and media”

On 15.05.2014 at the Former Committee hall in Kumanovo, the public debate “Improving communication and cooperation between NGOs and media” was held. The main purpose of this debate was to initiate discussion about the collaboration between NGOs and media.

The debate speakers were: Tamara Causidis (SSNM), Goran Manasovski (SSNM), Marija Savovska (Akcija Zdruzenska) and Kalina Lechevska (ISSHS).

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“The Representation of Women in Macedonian media”

On 20.05.2014 at the Center for Culture- Bitola a debate was held on “The Representation of Women in Macedonian media”. The debate initiated a discussion how women are portrayed in Macedonian media and how it affects the process of establishing gender equality in society.

The debate speakers were: Uranija Pirovska (MHK), Zvezdan Georgievski (SSNM), Jasminka Anevska (SSNM) and Ana Blazeva (ISSHS).

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“Encouraging active citizenship”

On 28.05.2014 at the Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities- Skopje a debate “Encouraging active citizenship” was held. The idea for the last public debate was to raise discussion about citizen’s participation and how to encourage it in the political processes by abandoning the wide spread opinion they cannot change anything and the fear that they will be politically labeled.

The debate speakers were: Katerina Kolozova, Dragan Antonovski, Petrit Sarachini and Besim Nebiu.