Journalist Training in Kosovo Conducted by Professor Anthony Adornato, Supported by Fulbright Scholarship
In the heart of Kosovo, Radio Television of Kosovo (RTK) has recently experienced a transformative period, thanks to the expertise of Associate Professor Anthony Adornato from the United States. During his Fulbright Specialist experience, Adornato provided valuable training to RTK journalists, focusing on multimedia journalism, mobile reporting, social media strategy, and audience engagement.
The training sessions, a blend of practical fieldwork and classroom-style lessons, introduced RTK journalists to current practices in multimedia journalism and mobile reporting. Adornato also shared insights on effective uses of digital and social media platforms to reach and engage audiences, emphasising the importance of social media management and strategies for audience engagement.
RTK, as Kosovo's national broadcaster, serves a linguistically diverse audience, offering programming in both Albanian and Serbian. The training provided by Adornato has significantly enhanced RTK's programming reach and interaction, both domestically and with the Kosovar diaspora.
In the field, Adornato worked closely with RTK journalists, covering stories such as a court case involving a politician and the environmental effects of a polluted river on a local neighborhood. These stories were featured in RTK's national evening news, reaching people through terrestrial and satellite networks.
The collaboration between Adornato and RTK journalists is planned to continue into the future, with the aim of further advancing the quality and reach of RTK's journalism. The training has been instrumental in helping RTK journalists navigate the challenges they face, including outdated equipment, staffing shortages, and low wages, while remaining dedicated to providing reliable information.
However, RTK faces significant challenges common to public media in transitional democracies, including threats to editorial independence and lack of sustainable funding. The primary funding for RTK comes from the state budget, raising concerns about editorial independence and long-term sustainability. Currently, RTK is navigating a severe financial crisis due to the failure of institutions to allocate the legally approved budget.
Despite these challenges, RTK plays an important role in informing citizens, promoting transparency, and contributing to a shared national identity in a post-conflict society. Furthermore, RTK plays an essential role in countering disinformation from foreign actors, particularly Russia and Serbia.
For those interested in participating in the Fulbright Scholar program, it's crucial to carefully review the application materials to understand the time commitment involved. The program offers a unique opportunity to share expertise and learn from colleagues abroad, providing a personally and professionally enriching experience. The shorter-term nature of the Fulbright Specialist program makes it accessible for those who are not eligible for a sabbatical.
In the end, Adornato's training at RTK has set a strong foundation for the future of multimedia journalism in Kosovo. The social media team at RTK quickly applied new Instagram approaches developed during Adornato's training, aiming to offer followers more meaningful content and interaction. As RTK continues to navigate its challenges, the impact of Adornato's training will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.
[1] Adornato, Anthony. (2021). Training RTK Journalists: A Fulbright Specialist Experience. [Blog Post]. Retrieved from https://anthonyadornato.com/rtk-fulbright-specialist-experience/ [3] RTK. (2021). Fulbright Specialist Enhances Multimedia Journalism at RTK. [Press Release]. Retrieved from https://www.rtk.com.al/fulbright-specialist-enhances-multimedia-journalism-at-rtk/
Education and self-development are evident in the training sessions provided by Associate Professor Anthony Adornato to RTK journalists, as they were introduced to current practices in multimedia journalism, mobile reporting, social media strategy, and audience engagement. Additionally, the social media team at RTK is continually learning and growing by applying new strategies developed during Adornato's training, aiming to offer followers more meaningful content and interaction.
