The workshop opened with a presentation by Labinot Leposhtica, BIRN Kosovo’s Coordinator for Court Monitoring and the Legal Office. He introduced students to Kosovo’s media regulatory landscape, explaining media ownership structures, transparency requirements, and the legal obligations that govern news organisations. He also explored key ethical dilemmas faced by journalists, illustrating how professional integrity can be maintained amidst complex editorial pressures.
Kreshnik Gashi, editor-in-chief of KALLXO.com, then addressed issues of legal and professional safety in reporting, particularly in crisis zones or hostile environments. Drawing on real-world field experiences, he highlighted the risks that journalists may encounter and the practical safeguards necessary to protect themselves and their sources.
Gashi concluded the workshop with a discussion on gender-sensitive reporting, emphasizing accurate and responsible representation of women in the media. He underlined the importance of empathy, fairness and careful handling of gender-related topics in journalistic storytelling.
Throughout the training, students engaged actively with the trainers – asking questions, sharing reflections, and examining contemporary challenges in the media landscape. The workshop enhanced their understanding of the ethical and legal foundations of journalism while offering valuable insights into the realities of reporting on the ground.
At the close of the event, participants expressed their strong interest in additional training sessions, noting that such workshops equip young journalists with essential skills and confidence for responsible and impactful reporting.
This was the second workshop of its kind, following a similar session held with students from the Journalism Department at the University of Prishtina. In 2026, BIRN Kosovo plans to continue delivering workshops on these themes for both journalism students and working journalists.
This activity is supported by the European Union under the project “Strengthen the Role and Capacities of Investigative Journalism in Kosovo”, implemented by BIRN Kosovo, the Press Council of Kosovo, and TV Mreža.