Transitional Justice and Transitional Journalism: Case-Study on Kosovo

Abstract

This article documents the findings of an empirical project combining socio-legal and media studies, which examined journalists’ perceptions of their role in relation to transitional justice in Kosovo. Based upon the qualitative analysis of 30 semi-structured interviews with professional journalists in Kosovo during the summer of 2018, the article shows that key issues in the study of transitional justice appear in respect of what, building on notions of ‘peace journalism’, can be termed ‘transitional journalism’. Issues include the extent to which ‘transitional journalism’ is, or should be, a distinct ‘field’ at all; as well as debates about the relative priority to give to accountability, reconciliation, historical accounting, or victims’ rights within the practice of ‘transitional journalism’ at any given time. Identifying and engaging with these issues will allow greater agency in, and ownership of, decisions taken about ‘transitional journalism’.

Scalability of Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Interventions: Moving Toward Wider Socio-political Change

“…A study of journalists in Kosovo, based on 2012-2016 WJS data, finds that Kosovar Albanian and Kosovar Serb journalists feel pressure not only from editors but also the general public when reporting on 'heroes' of the conflict (Sweeney et al, 2020). For example, one Serb journalist noted that although they wanted to include in their work discussion of conflict victims from all ethnic communities, they would be considered a 'hero' by the Serb community if they only reported on Serbian victims and a 'traitor' if they reported on Albanian victims (Sweeney et al, 2020).…”

“…Kosovar journalists also noted that the media can make bigger contributions to truth-telling, such as facilitating discussion on truth commissions (Sweeney et al, 2020). There have been successful instances of individual journalists researching and reporting on conflict-related sexual violence, contributing to greater acknowledgment of these crimes (Sweeney et al, 2020).…”

“…Kosovar journalists also noted that the media can make bigger contributions to truth-telling, such as facilitating discussion on truth commissions (Sweeney et al, 2020). There have been successful instances of individual journalists researching and reporting on conflict-related sexual violence, contributing to greater acknowledgment of these crimes (Sweeney et al, 2020). In addition, a Kosovar Albanian documentary filmmaker finds that media has been instrumental in investigating and acknowledging the misdeeds even of figures considered as 'heroes' of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) (Sweeney et al, 2020).…”