Joint Programme

Horizontal Facility

Transparent and balanced media coverage during election periods is essential for upholding democratic values and public trust. On 7-8 November 2024, a two-day capacity-building activity was held in Pristina with the support of the EU and Council of Europe, aiming at strengthening media monitoring practices during elections periods, dedicated to the local regulatory authority, the Independent Media Commission (IMC).

The training featured comprehensive discussions on the role of media regulators in elections, emphasising transparency in media operations, particularly concerning pricing for paid media time. Participants deepened their understanding of the legal frameworks that govern political advertising, exploring both regulatory requirements and best practices.

Sessions highlighted strategies to identify and manage defamatory campaigns and address potential legal gaps in election media coverage. A special focus was also given to the specific responsibilities of media regulators in monitoring online campaigns, focusing on oversight and archival requirements.

A significant aspect of the training involved joint sessions with the Central Elections Committee (CEC), where participants discussed best practices for monitoring and enforcing electoral silence rules and effective communication strategies with the public and stakeholders during elections.

This activity was organised within the framework of the action on “Protecting freedom of expression and of the media (PROFREX)”, part of the joint European Union and the Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye” and implemented by the Council of Europe Division for Co-operation on Freedom of Expression.