Media an important partner in the fight against corruption in BiH

Mirjana Popovic, a journalist from the Centre for Investigative Journalism and Vladimir Bekic, a journalist from the Radio-Television of Republika Srpska  won cash prizes in the amount of 1,500 EUR for the best news stories about corruption in BiH in a  journalists’ competition. The competition  was part of a two-year project “Responsible Journalism’s Watching Eye: Anti-Corruption and Media in Bosnia and Herzegovina”, funded by the EU.

The project included trainings and workshops with journalists with the aim of strengthening their capacity and skills in reporting on corruption in BiH. The project was implemented by the Thomson Reuters Foundation and Foundation Mediacentar Sarajevo. The Award ceremony held in Sarajevo was also the final activity of the project.

“In every democratic society, it is very important that media is on the side of citizens and a partner in the fight against corruption. The impetus for the development of investigative journalism is one of the steps that will surely help Bosnia and Herzegovina in the process of EU integration. We hope that this project has left its impact on media, and provided knowledge and skills that will inspire journalists in their future work,” said Andy McGuffie, Spokesperson of the Delegation of European Union/European Union Special Representative in  BiH.
The winning stories dealt with civil service recruitment in BiH, and the use of special investigative actions. Journalists who attended this event sent a message that completion of the project does not mean the end of their work on these issues and that they will continue to work.
“For us, this project was very important and helped us with where and how to detect corruption. Still, we need to work hard and learn some things. Corruption is huge problem so all journalists have to do more. Our work should not be based only on simple reporting and statements but should involve research that could have significant effects on the whole society”, said Vladimir Bekic,  RTRS journalist  and winner of the competition.
40 journalists from BiH completed the  educational cycle and 6 journalists were trained as  workshop educators.
Europa.ba