Media Talk Day: actively combating misinformation in Kosovo

As Kosovo's media landscape continues to face challenges related to the spread of online misinformation, reflecting broader global trends, the importance of promoting and advocating for transparency and information integrity remains a key priority. LuxDev’s partner organisation Democracy for Development (D4D), who is working on promoting and protecting media transparency and information integrity through the Support to civil society in Kosovo project, organised "Media Talk Day" on 3 July in Pristina. It brought together media professionals, students, educators, NGOs, and other stakeholders in the media sector, serving as a space for dialogue and reflection among those working to strengthen the integrity of information in Kosovo.

The event marked the launch of three key initiatives:

• Verifiko, a new digital platform empowering youth to identify and report fake news;
• Bridging the Gap, a report comparing real-time reporting and fact-checking in Kosovo against European standards;
• the 9th edition of D4D’s ongoing monitoring of gender-based disinformation, titled "Gender-based disinformation and misogynistic language in online media".

During the event, D4D introduced Verifiko, an open-source digital platform designed to raise awareness and educate young people on the importance of critically engaging with online news. Strengthening local governance by collaborating with the municipal education directorates of Pristina and Mitrovica, Verifiko will be piloted in two high schools. Workshops have been organised with students, parents, and teachers to improve their skills in identifying misinformation and using the platform effectively.

An overview of D4D’s gap analysis of media outlets’ reporting and factchecking standards highlighted the need to align with European Union ethical practices. The report will inform upcoming trainings with journalists to strengthen capacities of media outlets. During a panel discussion with the Independent Media Commission and a media organisation from the International Factchecking Network, it was noted that the current legal framework does not cover online media, leaving it unregulated.

The presentation of D4D’s 9th report on gender-based disinformation highlighted the recurrence of online hate narratives towards women politicians and the pressing need for continued public engagement and awareness.

As the report focused on the recent national elections, the subsequent panel discussion featured women members of Parliament and a board member of the Association of Journalists of Kosovo. Notably, the panelists were among the public figures who received the highest number of misogynistic comments online. During the discussion, they shared their personal experiences, emphasising the impact that such disinformation and online hate can have in discouraging women from pursuing a career in politics. The panel highlighted the urgent need to address these systemic barriers to ensure equal political participation for women.

The "Media Talk Day" wrapped up with a shared understanding of the urgency to address misinformation and promote ethical journalism. D4D highlighted the importance of continued dialogue and developing practical tools to strengthen public trust in media. Eventually, media transparency and information integrity have a crucial role to play for an inclusive and democratic development of Kosovo.  

The Support to civil society in Kosovo project, funded by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency, aims to strengthen democratic participation and develop a strong and dynamic civil society in Kosovo.