SSNM: The fall of the World Media Freedom Index is a reflection of the situation in Macedonia
The Independent Union of Journalists and Media Workers (SSNM) reacted to the fall of Macedonia for six positions of the World Media Freedom Index by 2024, stressing that it was a direct result of the deteriorating media environment and the unresolved systemic problems faced by journalists in the country.
– The assessment of Reporters Without Borders in their report on media freedom in Macedonia is a real reflection of the environment in which journalists and media workers in the country work – reads the SSNM statement.
They add that it is precisely the main parameters that the Independent Union of Journalists and Media Workers (SSNM) has constantly warned to this decline in the media freedom index.
« As the most alerticize we consider the financing of the media, which is non -transparent, insufficient and with sustainability that is constantly called into question, puts journalists and their integrity susceptible to influence from various centers of power, » SSNM added.
Reporters Without Borders, which ranks Macedonia at 42nd place of 180 countries, notes the need for urgent reform of media legislation and protection of journalists from Slap lawsuits – lawsuits used as a means of pressure and intimidation.
– Therefore, SSNM is reminiscent of the findings and efforts needed to improve the environment for the work of journalists and media workers, who were part of the declaration published in early April, which emerged from the « Mission for Screening and Advocacy for Rabotnicki and Professional Rights of Journalists and Media Workers, » SSNM.
