#CheckitFirst: Verifying news in the Western Balkans

In today’s digital age, it’s hard to know which news to trust.

Disinformation is spreading across the Western Balkans at an alarming rate. Foreign and domestic powers with their own agendas are trying to influence public opinion through fake, manipulative stories. But you have the power to stop false news in its tracks. In just a few simple steps, you can filter the real from the fake, and stop the spread of disinformation.

Don’t be played. #CheckitFirst.

New: #CheckitFirst guide to countering disinformation

Learn more

Steps to fact checking

Check the source of the information

Find out more about the website or platform where the information is published. Established and reputable news organisations are more likely to provide accurate information.

Analyse the author

Research the author’s credentials and previous work. Do they have a history of bias or spreading misinformation? Always question the source, the purpose of the information, and the evidence provided.

Look for multiple reports

Verify if the news is reported by multiple credible sources. If so, it’s more likely to be accurate. Don’t be duped by sensationalist titles. Read beyond the headline to understand the full context.

Verify citations and references

Reliable news articles often cite sources. A lack of credible sources can be a red flag. Check the authenticity of any images or quotes using tools like reverse image search or fact-checking websites.

Urge the media to stick to ethical journalism principles

If you notice violations of ethical journalism standards, make your voice heard.One of the options is to file a complaint with your national press council – check their conditions first:Serbia, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro

Latest from CheckitFirst

A guide to countering disinformation

In today’s digital age, it’s hard to know which news to trust. Disinformation is spreading across the media in the Western Balkans at an alarming rate. Foreign and domestic
powers with their own agendas are trying to influence public opinion through fake, manipulative stories. But you have the power to stop false news in its tracks. In just a few simple steps, you can filter the real from the fake, and stop the spread of disinformation.

English

ALB/SQI

BOS/SRP/HRV/CNR

Case Study: Darvin Murić – Montenegro

Case Study: Ana Marija Ivković –Kosovo

Case study: Rašid -Bosnia and Herzegovina

Case Study: Nataša Kilibarda – Serbia

Together for Truth: Journalist winners fight against disinformation

By ARTICLE 19

The Georgian paradigm of Balkan Foreign Agents

By Dragan Maksimović

Between gender and profession

By Aulonë Kadriu, Dardan Hoti

Without solving old cases, there is no freedom

By Djurdja Radulović

Serbian institutions stay silent – even after we exposed the ‘open secret’

By Ivana Milosavljević

Sign the Ethical Journalism Pledge

Endorse the pledge of upholding ethical journalism principles:

I, the undersigned, pledge to adhere to the professional principles of ethical journalism. By signing this pledge, I commit to fully incorporating the code of conduct from my country in my reporting.

signatures70

Pledge signatories

Andela Andrijevic, Dejana Cvetkovic, Dragica Mačkić, Jelena Čolović, Maja Stojanovic, Sanja Đorđević, Slađana Dimitrijević, Tijana Lekić, An-Djurdja Radulovic, Danijela Lasica, Drazen Vujovic, Igor Mitrovic, Miloš Rudović, Svetlana Mandić, Adelina Ahmeti, Minel Abaz, Aulonë Kadriu

Dardan Hoti, Alena Beširević, Dino Cviko, Dragan Maksimović, Tamara Stankov, Marija Vučić, Vladislav Stojičić, Harun Dinarević, Aleksandar Dokic, Dunja Karanović, Butrint Avdyli, Stefan Kosanović, Andrea Perišić, Florentina Hoti, Saranda Aliu, Teodora Ćurčić

Maja Boričić, Jelena Đukić Pejić, Nikoleta Rakočević, Jakov Daković, Amil Dučić, Tamara Bajčić, Jovana Tomić, Ivana Milosavljevic, Kristina Perić Vanja Stokić, Emir Velić, Vanja Đurić, Zorica Krstić Vorgučić, Milena Popović, Milena Bakić, Anja Raonic, Leka Dedivanovi

Danica Nikolić, Jelena Ćorluka, Vukašin Obradović, Ilmira Lika, Dinko Gruhonjić, Ivana Kragul, Miloš Vlahović, Vanja Stokić, Nebojša Vučinić, Samir Rastoder, Irena Čejović, Branka Katnic, Ajrona Resulani, Maria Popovic, Igor Pejovic, Ronny Aguilar, Dragan Kremer

Get involved with CheckitFirst

Follow us on X (formerly Twitter)

Follow us on Facebook

Follow us on Instagram

Resources for Journalists

ALB/SQI

BOS/SRP/HRV/CNR

Ethical Journalism Awards winners

Ivana Milosavljević

‘CINS in the SNS call center: Agency for hostesses, buying votes and millions in cash’

Aulonë Kadriu, Dardan Hoti

‘If the videos come out, I’m going to lose them all’

An-Đurđa Radulović

‘There is no equality while the tradition of bloody sheets persists’

Dragan Maksimović

‘Special and parallel connections of honey coal’

#CheckitFirst jury

Olivera Nikolić, Director of Montenegro Media Institute since 2017, is a freelance journalist with degree from the Faculty of Political Sciences in Podgorica, specialising in Diplomacy and International Relations.

Olivera Nikolić, Director of Montenegro Media Institute since 2017, is a freelance journalist with degree from the Faculty of Political Sciences in Podgorica, specialising in Diplomacy and International Relations. She has contributed to various domestic and international media outlets including Antena M, Radio Deutsche Welle, TV ARD, TV BBC, Radio Free Europe and Beta news. Olivera has also served as a local expert and consultant for UNICEF and the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), specialising in media education. In the past four years, she has led projects focused on journalism ethics, media literacy, and education, organising numerous workshops and training sessions.

Matija Otašević is an experienced communications professional. He is currently responsible for managing strategic communication at a prominent think tank organisation in Montenegro.

Matija Otašević is an experienced communications professional. Currently, he is responsible for managing strategic communication at a prominent think tank organisation in Montenegro—the Atlantic Council of Montenegro—which is dedicated to advancing NATO and EU values within the country. His journey in the communications field commenced as a news reporter for Vijesti Television in Podgorica, Montenegro. Following this, Otašević transitioned to the telecommunications realm, joining Crnogorski Telekom (a member of the Deutsche Telekom Group) as Corporate Communications Manager. He holds a degree in Comparative Literature and Literary Theory from the Faculty of Philology at the University of Belgrade.

Prof. dr. Enes Osmančević is an associate professor at the University of Tuzla’s Faculty of Philosophy, holding a doctoral degree in journalistic sciences.

Prof. dr. Enes Osmančević is an associate professor at the University of Tuzla’s Faculty of Philosophy, holding a doctoral degree in journalistic sciences. He graduated from the University of Sarajevo’s Faculty of Political Sciences and is a member of the Committee for Political Science at the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Dr. Osmančević has participated in international academic exchanges and specialist programs in the U.S and Belgium. As a former president of the Association of US Alumni in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and a member of the Council and Assembly of Transparency International and the Appeals Commission of the Press Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina, he’s contributed significantly to academic research and media-related initiatives, authoring six books and numerous papers on informatization, new media, and public opinion.

Ivana Vidmar has over 23 years of experience in journalism. She has worked for various radio and TV stations in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Serbeze Haxhiaj, an investigative journalist and news editor in Pristina, Kosovo, focuses on corruption, human rights, security, extremism, terrorism, and war crimes.

Serbeze Haxhiaj, an investigative journalist and news editor in Pristina, Kosovo, focuses on corruption, human rights, security, extremism, terrorism, and war crimes. She works at Radio Television of Kosovo and Balkaninsight, having previously contributed to Rilindja, Zeri, Lajm, and Koha Ditore newspapers. Haxhiaj’s work extends to international publications like The Financial Times, Der Standard, Neue Zurcher Zeitung, and Al Jazeera. She’s also been a researcher for the U.S research and analysis company Navanti. She has earned 19 awards for her reporting on war crimes, human rights, organized crime, corruption, and violence against women, including recognition from the European Union in 2020.

Jovana Radosavljević serves as the Executive Director of the NGO New Social Initiative, located in North Mitrovica.

Jovana Radosavljević serves as the Executive Director of the NGO New Social Initiative, located in North Mitrovica. Her primary areas of expertise and commitment revolve around the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, community rights, election processes, and conflict transformation. Jovana holds a master’s degree in international studies from the Joseph Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver. Furthermore, she also earned her bachelor’s degree in international politics from the Faculty of Political Science at the University of Belgrade. She graduated high school at Olney Friends School in Barnesville, OH.

Milena Popović, an experienced Serbian journalist, has served as Editor in Chief of the fact-checking outlet Istinomer for the past five years.

Milena Popović, an experienced Serbian journalist, has served as Editor in Chief of the fact-checking outlet Istinomer for the past five years. Her focus includes fact-checking, media research, manipulations, and policies. Prior to Istinomer and CRTA, she worked as a journalist for daily newspapers and as a freelance reporter for regional portals. Popović’s work has earned her accolades such as the “Golden Nike 2015” for best reportage at the International Reportage and Media Festival, INTERFER, and recognition at the festival “Miredita, dobar dan” for her contribution to the documentary film “Albanians are our sisters.

Ivana Stevanović is Executive Director at Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation (SCF), an organization established in honor of Slavko Ćuruvija.

Ivana Stevanović is Executive Director at Slavko Ćuruvija Foundation (SCF), an organization established in honor of Slavko Ćuruvija, journalist and owner of Daily Telegraph and Evropljanin magazine, murdered in 1999. The Foundation supports free and independent journalism through enhancing professionalism and ethical standards in media, capacity building of journalists and advocacy for effective protection of journalists’ safety. From mid 90s until 2006, Ivana worked as a journalist at independent media outlets Radio Index, Blic, Demokratija and Radio B92.

Danica Ilić is an experienced journalist, and former Radio B92 and BBC World Service News Editor; She is an expert on ethical media standards in the digital age, responsible use of technology in reporting, and countering disinformation and misleading narratives.

Danica Ilić is an experienced journalist, and former Radio B92 and BBC World Service News Editor; She is an expert on ethical media standards in the digital age, responsible use of technology in reporting, and countering disinformation and misleading narratives; as a media consultant and workshop facilitator, she worked with independent media and marginalised communities in the Western Balkans, China, Russia, Ukraine, and the Middle East. She is currently leading the Ethical Journalism Network project on building trust in the media in the Western Balkans.

Dr. Željka Lekić-Subašić, a journalist and producer with 29 years of experience, currently leads as the Head of the ERNO (Eurovision News Exchange for Southeast Europe) Coordination Office in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Dr. Željka Lekić-Subašić, a journalist and producer with 29 years of experience, currently leads as the Head of the ERNO (Eurovision News Exchange for Southeast Europe) Coordination Office in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, overseeing news exchanges and co-productions among eleven Public Service Media organizations. Her extensive contributions to media cooperation earned her the Dr. Erhard Busek – SEEMO Award for Better Understanding in Southeast Europe in 2014. She teaches media-related courses at Sarajevo School of Science and Technology and holds Ph.D., MA, and Bachelor’s degrees in media, international politics, and journalism, respectively. Additionally, she completed an Executive Program in News Innovation and Leadership at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism, City University of New York, in June 2023.

Dragan Kremer has a diverse background in journalism, marketing, and media development with over 20 years of experience as a freelance journalist across former Yugoslavia and successor states.

Dragan Kremer has a diverse background in journalism, marketing, and media development. With over 20 years of experience as a freelance journalist across former Yugoslavia and successor states, he later ventured into marketing, including advertising and PR agencies. Transitioning to media development, he worked as a trainer and network coordinator, eventually becoming a Media Advisor with international agencies like USAID partners Internews and IREX ProMedia. Kremer has also managed programs for minority language and Roma media, coordinated Public Interest Media and Freedom of Expression programs at OSF, consulted for organizations like OSCE and EUD, and served as Deputy Team Leader for the British Council’s Media for All project before joining EPD as Project Director for ‘Combatting Disinformation in Western Balkans’ in January 2023.

Latest videos

FAQs

Foreign disinformation, information manipulation, and interference (FIMI) have been prevalent throughout the Western Balkans, and recent events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, have exacerbated the situation. Various factors contribute to the Western Balkans’ susceptibility to disinformation.

These include political factors like concentrated power, corruption, and impunity among political elites; societal factors like social divisions and ethnic nationalism; economic factors like corruption, weak economic policies, and organised crime.

In the four countries, journalists face challenges in adhering to ethical journalism standards. This can be attributed to the financial instability and funding models of media outlets, as well as the limited job security for journalists, along with external pressures from political and business circles.

This campaign is reclaiming your power and rebuilding trust in journalism. By endorsing professional standards, you’re not just ticking a box – you’re championing ethical journalism. Here’s what we want to achieve:

Better adherence by journalists with ethical journalism, as a means to counter disinformation in the media
Encourage a commitment to the principles of ethical journalism that are the foundation of the profession
Promote reliable news sources from media organisations, contributing to a positive media
Encourage people to demand fairness from journalists and media in their reporting, enable them to receive accurate information and to thus lower dissemination of disinformation across the media in the four

Join us. Lead the charge for journalism with integrity.

The Western Balkans region is not immune from disinformation resulting from global crises like COVID or the Ukraine war. This vulnerability is exploited by ruling parties and foreign powers like China and Russia who aim to manipulate public opinion.

The media, once considered the bastion of democracy, is facing challenges as it grapples with clickbait and propaganda. Media organisations and journalists often struggle to find the motivation to uphold ethical standards, which can contribute to the spread of disinformation.

When citizens are exposed to fabricated fear and manipulated facts, trust in the media erodes, elections lose their integrity, civic engagement can transform into blind rage, and the foundations of our societies crumble under the weight of lies.

We call for ethical journalism. Journalists should wield the power of truth and reliable information.

A low adherence by journalists to ethical journalism standards, damages the credibility of the media as a whole.

The region needs beacons of light to dispel the darkness of disinformation and lead the charge towards a future built on increased trust, transparency and accountability.

There are five principles of ethical journalism:

Truth & accuracy: respect the truth and do everything possible to get the facts right, including checking and cross-checking, and admitting when this isn’t possible.
Independence: journalists must pledge to have an independent voice, without political or business affiliations. Where there are conflicts of interest, these should be declared.
Fairness & impartiality: reporting with balance builds trust.
Do no harm: not feed into prejudice, racism, hate speech and other harmful attitudes; be aware of the impact reporting will have on the safety of others.
Accountability: accountable to readers by listening, apologising for errors and correcting them.

Ethical journalism is vital to the preservation and health of democracy. It serves as a cornerstone, empowering citizens by providing accurate information and fostering an informed citizenry. Acting as watchdogs, journalists expose corruption and hold those in power accountable, contributing to transparency and trust in the government.

The self-regulation model is a framework that relies entirely on voluntary compliance: legislation plays no role in enforcing the relevant standards. It exists to hold its members accountable to the public, to promote knowledge within its membership and to develop and promote respect for ethical standards. Those organisations that commit to this type of regulation do so not under threat of legal sanction, but for positive reasons such as the desire to further the development and credibility of their profession and sector. Self-regulation models rely first and foremost on members’ common understanding of the values and ethics that underpin their professional conduct.

A code of ethics is a set of principles aimed at guiding journalists in fair reporting.

In today’s expansive communications landscape, ethical codes play a crucial role in combating issues like hate speech and misinformation in the media. These codes advocate for the integration of the principles of ethical journalism with the press and are informed by the global ethical journalism principles. The IFJ Global Charter of Ethics for Journalists is the first global code of ethics for journalists.

They guide journalists to report information in an ethical manner that respects the values enshrined by the principles. For more information on journalists’ codes of ethics: https://accountablejournalism.org/ethics-codes

Ensure you are up to date with the ethical journalism standards that are the cornerstone of your profession. Visit the Ethical Journalism Network for more.

Participate in ARTICLE 19s campaign and publicly endorse ethical journalism principles by entering our media awards.

Integrate ethical journalism standards in your reporting.

Use precise language to avoid the spread of misinformation.

Join calls for laws that ensure media freedom, diversity and pluralism.

#CheckitFirst Partners

Kosovo: New Social Initiative

Montenegro: Atlantic Council of Montenegro

Serbia: Center for Research, Transparency and Accountability (CRTA)

Bosnia & Herzegovina: Centres for Civic Initiatives (CCI)

#CheckitFirst campaign is part of an EU funded regional project focusing on tackling foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI). This project seeks to contribute to more democratic resilience to FIMI and to lessen chances of inter-communal conflict caused by FIMI in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro and Serbia.

This campaign is funded by the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of ARTICLE19 and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.