AMPEK reacts: Possibility of shutting down a TV programme sets an extremely dangerous precedent for media freedom

The Association of Independent Electronic Media of Kosovo — AMPEK — has expressed deep concern and strongly condemned a statement by the Vice-Chair of the Independent Media Commission (KPM), Drita Morina, who proposed that the possibility of banning the programme "Debat Plus", broadcast on RTV Dukagjini, be examined. AMPEK considers such a statement to be unacceptable and contrary to the fundamental principles upon which an independent media regulator must operate in a democratic society. The very fact that a senior KPM official has raised the possibility of closing or banning a television programme on account of remarks made by a studio guest constitutes an extremely dangerous precedent for media freedom and public debate in Kosovo. Media outlets cannot and must not be placed in the position of pre-emptively censoring political guests, analysts or debate participants. If every controversial statement made by an invited guest were to become grounds for threats of programme closure, pluralism of opinion itself would be called into question. Particularly troubling is the fact that this statement was made in the context of handling a complaint submitted by a representative of the government in office. In such circumstances, calls for the suspension of a critical programme create a strong perception of political interference and undermine public confidence in the independence and impartiality of the KPM. AMPEK maintains that the role of the KPM is not to intimidate media outlets or to promote measures that may produce a chilling effect, but to ensure compliance with the law while upholding the highest standards of freedom of expression and media freedom. Threats to shut down programmes have no place in the discourse of an institution whose duty is to protect media pluralism, not restrict it. For this reason, AMPEK calls on the KPM to clearly distance itself from any proposal aimed at banning media programmes on the basis of statements made by debate participants, and to publicly reaffirm its commitment to democratic standards, media freedom and editorial independence. AMPEK also calls on domestic institutions and international partners monitoring media freedom in Kosovo to follow this development closely, as statements of this nature from senior officials of the media regulator risk creating a climate of pressure and self-censorship across the media landscape. Media freedom is not protected by silencing critical voices. It is protected by guaranteeing that media outlets can report, debate and broadcast a diversity of opinions without fear that a public institution may seek to shut down their programmes on the basis of the content of public debate. The Association of Independent Electronic Media of Kosovo will oppose any attempt that undermines the editorial independence of media outlets and the right of citizens to be informed through free and pluralistic debate.