From Pristina to Bonn: Lessons in Responsible Journalism
By Besart Galica, RTK
Spending ten days with the Albanian Language Department at Deutsche Welle (DW) in Bonn, Germany through the EU Innovation. Media. Minds. Program’s International Mobility Grant, provided invaluable insights into ethical reporting practices—particularly on sensitive and tragic events—and reshaped my approach to journalism.
A Warm Welcome at Deutsche Welle
Upon arrival, I was greeted by the head of DW's Albanian editorial staff, who warmly introduced me to the team. Together, we structured a comprehensive training program that revolved around their expertise in crisis reporting. As the pandemic reshaped newsroom dynamics, the DW team demonstrated how they transitioned to post-pandemic operational models, working largely from the office but still adapting to remote collaboration.
Lessons in Ethical Reporting
One of the main points of my visit was learning how DW handles sensitive stories. From tragedies to global crises, their approach balances delivering hard truths while safeguarding the emotional well-being of their audience.
We analyzed how DW’s team reported during the pandemic, emphasizing how journalists can frame narratives to inform the public without inciting panic or distress. I learned that the tone, language, and context matter immensely in these situations, especially in regions like Kosovo, where sensitivities run deep.
I was inspired by DW’s ability to maintain factual accuracy while fostering resilience in their audience. They have mastered the art of ensuring that news informs and educates without exacerbating anxiety, especially when addressing emotionally charged issues like natural disasters.
Addressing Challenges with Creativity
Despite the challenges of limited staff and hybrid work models at DW, the team ensured that my training was insightful and interactive. Their dedication inspired me to adopt creative strategies to address resource constraints and maximize impact—a lesson that will prove invaluable in my work at Radio Television of Kosovo* (RTK).
I appreciated the discussions surrounding multimedia reporting. The team shared insights on how platforms like social media and YouTube can expand the reach of stories and better connect with younger audiences. This perspective was particularly useful for me as RTK explores ways to evolve its storytelling for modern audiences.
Real-World Impact
Upon returning to Kosovo*, I immediately began applying what I learned. Reporting in Kosovo* often involves navigating sensitive topics like missing persons from the war, tensions in the north, or the lingering effects of the pandemic. These issues require thoughtful, ethical journalism to prevent public panic and safeguard mental well-being.
At RTK, I shared DW’s insights in our editorial meetings, proposing new approaches for our news coverage. Inspired by DW’s innovative methods, I also began exploring ways to integrate multimedia storytelling, ensuring our content is both accessible and engaging.
For example, the training sessions gave me ideas to improve RTK’s YouTube channel and its presence on platforms like TikTok. These innovations aim to make public service journalism more relevant and impactful in the region.
Looking Ahead
This mobility grant was not just a training program; it was a transformative experience. It deepened my understanding of journalism's power to shape public discourse responsibly. The lessons learned at Deutsche Welle will undoubtedly help me contribute to the growth and credibility of public service media in Kosovo.
The lessons I brought back from Deutsche Welle are already helping to strengthen RTK’s reporting practices. They serve as a reminder that ethical journalism not only informs but also unites and uplifts.
Funded by the European Union, the "Innovation. Media. Minds" Program, to support Public Service Journalism in the Western Balkans, is managed by the Goethe Institut on behalf of the European Commission and in collaboration with its implementing partner DW Akademie. The contents of this story are the sole responsibility of the grantee and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.
*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244
Spending ten days with the Albanian Language Department at Deutsche Welle (DW) in Bonn, Germany through the EU Innovation. Media. Minds. Program’s International Mobility Grant, provided invaluable insights into ethical reporting practices—particularly on sensitive and tragic events—and reshaped my approach to journalism.
A Warm Welcome at Deutsche Welle
Upon arrival, I was greeted by the head of DW's Albanian editorial staff, who warmly introduced me to the team. Together, we structured a comprehensive training program that revolved around their expertise in crisis reporting. As the pandemic reshaped newsroom dynamics, the DW team demonstrated how they transitioned to post-pandemic operational models, working largely from the office but still adapting to remote collaboration.
Lessons in Ethical Reporting
One of the main points of my visit was learning how DW handles sensitive stories. From tragedies to global crises, their approach balances delivering hard truths while safeguarding the emotional well-being of their audience.
We analyzed how DW’s team reported during the pandemic, emphasizing how journalists can frame narratives to inform the public without inciting panic or distress. I learned that the tone, language, and context matter immensely in these situations, especially in regions like Kosovo, where sensitivities run deep.
I was inspired by DW’s ability to maintain factual accuracy while fostering resilience in their audience. They have mastered the art of ensuring that news informs and educates without exacerbating anxiety, especially when addressing emotionally charged issues like natural disasters.
Addressing Challenges with Creativity
Despite the challenges of limited staff and hybrid work models at DW, the team ensured that my training was insightful and interactive. Their dedication inspired me to adopt creative strategies to address resource constraints and maximize impact—a lesson that will prove invaluable in my work at Radio Television of Kosovo* (RTK).
I appreciated the discussions surrounding multimedia reporting. The team shared insights on how platforms like social media and YouTube can expand the reach of stories and better connect with younger audiences. This perspective was particularly useful for me as RTK explores ways to evolve its storytelling for modern audiences.
Real-World Impact
Upon returning to Kosovo*, I immediately began applying what I learned. Reporting in Kosovo* often involves navigating sensitive topics like missing persons from the war, tensions in the north, or the lingering effects of the pandemic. These issues require thoughtful, ethical journalism to prevent public panic and safeguard mental well-being.
At RTK, I shared DW’s insights in our editorial meetings, proposing new approaches for our news coverage. Inspired by DW’s innovative methods, I also began exploring ways to integrate multimedia storytelling, ensuring our content is both accessible and engaging.
For example, the training sessions gave me ideas to improve RTK’s YouTube channel and its presence on platforms like TikTok. These innovations aim to make public service journalism more relevant and impactful in the region.
Looking Ahead
This mobility grant was not just a training program; it was a transformative experience. It deepened my understanding of journalism's power to shape public discourse responsibly. The lessons learned at Deutsche Welle will undoubtedly help me contribute to the growth and credibility of public service media in Kosovo.
The lessons I brought back from Deutsche Welle are already helping to strengthen RTK’s reporting practices. They serve as a reminder that ethical journalism not only informs but also unites and uplifts.
Funded by the European Union, the "Innovation. Media. Minds" Program, to support Public Service Journalism in the Western Balkans, is managed by the Goethe Institut on behalf of the European Commission and in collaboration with its implementing partner DW Akademie. The contents of this story are the sole responsibility of the grantee and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.
*This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244