Journalists’ Days to Focus on Western Balkans Media Freedoms in Light of Covid-19
Civil Rights Defenders is organising the second Regional Journalists’ Days on 13-14 October 2020, focusing on the state of media freedoms in the Western Balkans in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The event will bring together renowned journalists, media experts and policymakers in a discussion on the challenges to media freedoms and the freedom of expression in the Western Balkans. Specifically, given the outbreak of Covid-19, it will look at how the pandemic has further complicated the region’s media landscape, with added restrictions against independent voices and growing uncertainties related to fact-checking, social media and fake news.
Following opening remarks by Human Rights Commissioner at the Council of Europe, Dunja Mijatović, the first panel discussion will be opened by MEP Isabel Santos, whilst the second panel discussion will host, among others, MEP Irena Joveva.
This year’s event will also consist of various thematic meetings and workshops, on topics ranging from physical and digital security, election reporting to fact-checking and new technologies.
The full agenda can be accessed here.Regional Journalists’ Days represents a gathering of independent media platforms, investigative journalists and other industry professionals from the Western Balkans and Turkey. Challenges regarding restrictions of media freedoms, propaganda and misinformation thrive globally and the pandemic has only exacerbated these trends resulting in further pressures for independent voices. Likewise, the quality of output and growing tabloidisation of the media space, is increasingly relevant for the future of freedom of expression in the region.
Due to epidemiological circumstances, the event will be held via online platform, Kudo. In order to take part in the event, participants are encouraged to submit their free registration via Eventbrite.
If you have any questions please contact us on journalists.days@crd.org.
