The EBU have been working with the Albanian broadcaster RTSH to help them develop their first set of editorial guidelines.

 

In cooperation with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Eurovision Academy expert Henrik Hansen is advising a working group of six senior managers.

 

RTSH is using the editorial guidelines of RTV Slovenia as a model but drawing on best practice from other public service media such as the BBC, DR, SR, BHRT and RTK. The work on the guidelines has prompted an open discussion on the challenges faced by the broadcaster and helped formulate their core values and broader editorial principles.

 

The working group discussed issues such as election coverage, reporting on vulnerable groups, privacy, journalistic standards and how to best serve the public interest.

 

The draft – which will also cover working online, social media and UGC – will be presented to the Steering Council and discussed with media experts, civil society and other relevant parties.

 

EBU senior manager Radka Betcheva says: “RTSH is committed to developing strong editorial principles that will help them best meet the needs of their audience.

 

“These guidelines are an important step in helping to put the EBU’s core editorial values – impartiality, independence, fairness, respect, accuracy, relevancy, connectedness and accountability - at the heart of their broadcasting.”