Investigative journalists, activists, and experts unite to honor the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN) on its remarkable 20-year journey. Their testimonies paint a vivid picture of BIRN’s pivotal role in shaping the media landscape and promoting accountability across the Balkans.
Slobodan Georgiev, former BIRN journalist and Director of NewsMax Adria in Serbia, reflects on BIRN’s evolution into a beacon of professional journalism:
“BIRN trains journalists to be seekers of truth and guardians of this vital profession. It has become an indispensable institution for true journalism in the region.”
Milka Tadic Mijovic from the Centre for Investigative Journalism of Montenegro highlights BIRN’s courage in confronting difficult topics like authoritarianism and corruption:
“BIRN’s work on transitional justice and documenting past atrocities is crucial for societies grappling with complex histories.”
Stavros Malichudis, an investigative reporter at Greek media outlet Solomon, praises BIRN as an “investigative powerhouse
” that produces essential work for the entire Balkan region. He credits BIRN with showcasing a different kind of journalism that delves deep into critical issues.
Vesna Terselic, Head of Documenta – Centre for Dealing with the Past in Zagreb, commends BIRN for its focus on victims’ stories and justice. She emphasizes how BIRN’s fearless reporting on war crimes trials preserves historical truths essential for reconciliation.
Afrim Krasniqi from the Albania Institute for Political Studies lauds BIRN as a Western-funded model that upholds journalistic integrity amidst local media challenges. He stresses the need for such independent outlets to combat censorship and promote democratic values.
Amid global media transformations, Alexia Kalaitzi, a Greek TV journalist, hails BIRN’s commitment to producing quality regional journalism by Balkan reporters. She underscores how her fellowship with BIRN reshaped her approach to storytelling.
Leila Bicakcic, Director of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Centre for Investigative Reporting, applauds BIRN for bringing new perspectives to journalism in post-conflict societies. She notes how their reporting fosters understanding and contributes to building democratic foundations.
As an expert on transitional justice, Nora Ahmetaj praises BIRNs unique approach to covering complex issues with nuance professionalism: “
Birn serves as a valuable resource guiding readers through intricate topics while upholding high standards.”
Christoph Plate from Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung recognizes Birn’s cross-border collaborations which provide trustworthy news sources across Southeast Europe fostering transparency & accountability necessary especially amid democratic backsliding & disinformation challenges.
Ryan Powell leads innovation at International Press Institute appreciates Birns dedication towards investigative reporting which they hope would nurture space supporting independent quality reportage paving way strengthening press freedom principles…
Renate Schroeder acknowledges Birn’s invaluable contribution providing accurate information challenging disinformation serving as antidote ensuring press freedom remains intact when under threat particularly amidst autocratic regimes attempting control narratives impacting public sphere significantly…
Kurt Bassuener believes Birn plays vital role shedding light realities often ignored holding power accountable…keeping public informed combating misinformation safeguarding democracy amid eroding prospects discussing regional affairs geopolitics governance societal transitions ensuring evidence-based informative debates…
Michael Montgomery working at Center For Investigative Reporting San Francisco hails Birn’s consistent fact-based impactful journalism crucial holding powerful elites account ensuring citizens informed empowered demanding transparency good governance acknowledging daunting obstacles overcome display unwavering courage resilience commendable…
Kenneth Morrison highlights significant role played by birne providing reliable source information analysis focusing human rights geopolitical matters making it indispensable reliable platform delivering objective investigative reports incisive well-informed analysis contributing positively enhancing regional understanding beyond headlines…
Fred Abrahams underscoring birne importance maintaining independence amidst political financial influences emphasizing fact-based reporting remains fundamental sensitive subjects corruption war trial imperative giving balanced perspective…
Eric Gordy professor UCL praises birns comprehensive news analysis site quality consistency rigor offering dependable independent research-based features critical assisting students researchers studying balkans relying heavily english-language sources…
Blake Morrison Reuters trainer acknowledges birns pivotal role seeking truth disseminating facts nurturing hope future encouraging responsible accountable journalism consistently pushing boundaries despite adversities triumphantly 🌟
Maria Georgieva Swedish documentary maker recognizes birn standing independent high-quality investigative journalism empowering reporters training mentorship essential fostering transparent debate critical subjects democracy human rights european integration utilizing localized expertise cross-border collaboration creating better-informed engaged citizenry preserving media freedom integrity mission catalyzing positive transformation promoting social equality environmental protection 🌍
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