Media that turns to the black chronicle just to get clicks!

On the Radio « Free Europe » has published an article calling on media people, not turning to the news of the black chronicle, unrapping everything, aggravating or destroying entire families, just wanting to get clicks on social networks.

There is generally no care of some media that give everything, when it is not necessary. The article is about some cases in Kosovo, but the same picture remains in the media or portals of Albania. Even in Tirana there are major media outlets that open news with such chronicles, even there have been times when television gave more than 7 minutes of news of how to hang out or how Ypsilon slaughtered children!

Here’s the article published by « Free Europe »:

The news that his mother had been killed had learned from the online media.

« I saw the news on the portals and I couldn’t believe it, » Alaudin Haradini told Radio Free Europe (REL) on March 25, a day after his mother was killed in the village of Stanoc in Vushtrri.

This was because, shortly after the killing, various media had published the identity of the 42-year-old killed.

Even the brother of Liridona Ademaj – the woman who was killed in November 2023 on a road in the village of Bernice in Pristina – says there were times when family members have been disturbed by some media reports.

« There have been some investigations raised by the media that have been able to arouse some expectations or even current concerns, » Leonard Ademaj told Rel, but stressing that he is generally satisfied with the reporting of his sister’s murder.

But this month, after a case reported in the media such as slaughter and suicide, the Kosovo Print Media Council (KMSF) called on the media to have « care, sensitivity and professionalism » when reporting on tragic cases.

The Association of Journalists of Kosovo (AGK) was also joined by the call, demanding that the identity and privacy of those involved in the case be maintained.

But in addition to violating privacy, convinces Skeja, executive director of the Information and Social Improvement Center, is also concerned about the general content of texts for tragic cases, such as murder and suicides.

« Four or five news of a little information on the case, (with titles) ‘here’s an article he left …’, ‘Here’s what family members say’. I have seen the media have gone to the funeral. It should not be much thought to know that this is wrong, » Skeja tells Rel.

What effect do these news have?

Such news has only a negative effect, according to the Skeja, which runs the voluntary telephone center, the line of life, providing assistance to persons who have suicide opinions, or who suffer from depression or anxiety.

He says that violating privacy, unintentionally, makes survivors and their relatives known faces known to the public.

« If tomorrow I go to an employer, the employer will ask for my name on Google, and the news comes out ‘this is the mother of Xy who is suicide, » and (the employer) creates perceptions that may be unquestioned but have a direct impact on the lives of these people, « Skeja says.

He believes that the situation in Kosovo makes the way « suicide theme is still very stigmatized ».

According to Skeja, even the most problematic effect is what these news do to people who have suicide opinions « .

« The sensationalism of the cases and the publication of excess and unnecessary details can give the impression of people who only have thoughts of suicide, who has no salvation, » he says.

« Because they constantly see people who end up in suicide and this can push those who have already thought of committing suicide, accelerating the plan or creating new ideas on how to do it, » Skeja adds.

A study published in 2020 by international researchers of universities and various health institutions had found that the risk of suicide increased by 13 percent in the periods when the media reported to death of celebrities from suicide.

The study also found that when the way suicide was also published, there was an increase in 30 percent of deaths from the same method.

A similar effect has been observed in Kosovo.

« When these topics are spoken in public, there are more calls to the line of life, » says Skeja.

But he would like more calls, as it can only « balance the damage done from reporting ». The problem is, according to him, that the media usually does not guide readers where they can seek help.

« The media speaks of suicide, but they do not tell people where to seek help. People read this news and do not know that there is a line of life, » Skeja says.

What should not be reported?

Fernanda Camarena, a lecturer of ethics at the Poynter Media Institute, based in Florida, United States, says key principle for journalists and editors should be « minimizing damage ».

« As journalists, we have to remember that we have a priority for the audience and fulfillment of our journalistic mission, » she tells RFE / RL.

In order not to deepen trauma, prejudice and promote other similar cases, Camarena recalls the principles of major media organizations, such as the Associated Press, not to report suicides, except when « it is a public figure, interferes with public life or presents a great public interest ».

« And when such news needs to be reported, they have guidelines to follow, » says Camarena, who previously served as a manager in the NBC News standards and practices in the US.

And what instructions are it?

Camarena emphasizes some key, such as: not to be given the main media space, to avoid glorification or romanticization of suicide, not to describe efforts as « failed » or « unsuccessful », under no circumstances are published pictures or videos from the scene, as images of the dead, laughing or location.

She also suggests that, when possible, to include stories of people who have continued to live happy after suicide attempts.

« Writing articles on treatment and recovery tells the audience that help exists, » says Camarena.

Reporting on such tragic cases – that is, for murder and suicide – Camarena describes it as « a test of the core values ​​of the media organization ».

« Statistics should not dictate editorial judgment and newsrooms should define success as more than just a number of clicks. Did we serve our audience and its needs? Did we serve the public good? » She concludes.

And Skeja estimates that many media in Kosovo are failing at this point.

« The only reason this (unethical reporting) happens is capitalist cigars. These news generate clicks because people have a morbid curiosity to know what is happening, » Skeja says.

Daily reports of the Kosovo Police are often sources of news of violence.

According to police records, six cases of killings occurred from January to April this year.

There is no data on the number of suicides, while 890 cases of domestic violence were reported.

Written by Doruntina Baftiu