Kosovar Threads of a Smear Campaign

Despite numerous requests, the US Embassy in Prishtina, a funder of S Bunker, remains silent, ignoring our concerns. We await a response from the Independent Media Commission. Engage with our debate.

Dear Subscribers,

In light of recent events, it is crucial to delve deeper into the narratives shaping our understanding of press freedom and journalistic integrity. On World Press Freedom Day, I shared a thread on Twitter outlining a smear campaign that not only targets my professional integrity but also highlights broader issues within the media landscape in Kosovo.

For clarity, here are the key details:

• Close connections exist between certain media personalities and outlets that have actively participated in discrediting independent journalism.

• Outlets like Telegrafi, Epoka E Re and NACIONALE have failed in their editorial duties by merely copying statements from S Bunker without any form of verification.

• Direct interactions with some of the editors have shown a disturbing indifference to journalistic ethics.

• Despite numerous requests, S Bunker has yet to provide evidence of their alleged communications with the US State Department.

• Despite numerous requests addressed towards the US Embassy in Prishtina, as one of the funders to S Bunker, the embassy has remained silent and has not addressed our concerns to this day.

• We have also submitted four complaints to the Independent Media Commission of Kosovo due to egregious violations of the editorial code of ethics, and we are awaiting their response.

This orchestrated campaign affects not just one journalist but the foundational principles of transparency and accountability in media. As consumers of news, it is imperative to critically evaluate sources and demand high standards from all media institutions.

Read the full thread here to see the evidence and understand the interconnectedness of these actions: ‘X’ Thread Link.

https://twitter.com/VudiXhymshiti/status/1786304959312449956

I encourage you to engage with this issue on ‘X’, demand accountability from these outlets, and express support for democratic values. Your voice is powerful and necessary to ensure that journalism can continue to function as a pillar of democracy.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to truth.

Best regards,

Vudi Xhymshiti Chief Editor,

THE FRONTLINER Magazine