{"id":8708,"date":"2021-09-01T11:29:34","date_gmt":"2021-09-01T09:29:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/journalift.org\/?p=8708"},"modified":"2021-09-01T11:44:30","modified_gmt":"2021-09-01T09:44:30","slug":"how-much-does-the-local-media-contribute-in-community-dialogue-are-the-local-media-inclusive-enough","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/journalift.org\/how-much-does-the-local-media-contribute-in-community-dialogue-are-the-local-media-inclusive-enough\/","title":{"rendered":"How much does the local media contribute in community dialogue? Are the local media inclusive enough?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
From the common perspective, the role of communication and dialogue platforms is perceived as an instrument for enhancing cooperation and reconciliation. More importantly, it is used as an instrument to attain a climate of intercultural tolerance and mutual understanding<\/strong>. However, in the local context, traditional and patriarchal communication patterns still dominate the discourse of Kosovar society – patterns which are still particularly pronounced in rural environments and among older generations.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a framework for discourse in Kosovo, the local media has not experienced a fundamental change or shown remarkable progress. <\/p>\n\n\n\n On the other hand, community development is difficult to be represented impartially through local media platforms, which should confront local clich\u00e9s and generalisations about certain beliefs and cultural representation. There are numerous cases of the media deliberately employing a discriminatory approach, illustrating and emphasising class divisions and prejudices.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lack of capacities of the local media to further promote the community dialogue has not provided enough space for the communities to be actively involved in the reconciliation process or in knowledge-sharing about its benefits. During the ’90s, the rise of nationalism led to the enacting of biased and politically-influenced media, whilst the conflict per se further prevented the normal transition of the media from state-controlled to modern, democratic, public services and private media outlets.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The local media in Kosovo are confronted with the lack of financial sustainability. This presents them with the challenge of finding a skilled workforce, and makes them settle for non-experienced reporters – the issue further perpetuated by weak employment conditions, the overall poor level of journalistic education, etc. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Local media outlets which are based outside of Prishtina seem to be doing even worse due to a very limited media market. All of this indicates local media often might not have the resources, time or the necessary skills to pursue and nurture community dialogue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n