Newsroom
Kosovo Temporary Media Commissioner deplores case of poor journalism
PRISTINA 12 October 2001
PRISTINA, 12 October 2001 (OSCE) - Anna Di Lellio, Kosovo's Temporary Media Commissioner, today stated that the refusal of the Kosovo newspaper Bota Sot to publish a correction of an incorrect sub-headline was an 'example of poor editorial practice compounding an original instance of poor journalism'.
The sub-headline in question ('Why, after the assassination of Ekrem Rexha, did Sali Veseli and Azem Syla ask his family for his computer', published on 18, 20, 21, and 22 August 2001) implies that Mr. Azem Syla asked the family of Commander Drini for the Commander's computer, an action he denies having taken.
The article that followed made no mention of Mr. Syla asking for the computer, and Commander Drini's brother has made a signed statement, which confirms that Mr. Syla did not make any request for it.
The Temporary Media Commissioner is concerned that the interests of accurate reporting and editorial responsibility are badly served by Bota Sot's refusal to publish a simple correction in this case. Ms. Di Lellio emphasizes that such corrections are commonly accepted practice in newspapers worldwide in cases where inaccuracies are committed.
The sub-headline in question ('Why, after the assassination of Ekrem Rexha, did Sali Veseli and Azem Syla ask his family for his computer', published on 18, 20, 21, and 22 August 2001) implies that Mr. Azem Syla asked the family of Commander Drini for the Commander's computer, an action he denies having taken.
The article that followed made no mention of Mr. Syla asking for the computer, and Commander Drini's brother has made a signed statement, which confirms that Mr. Syla did not make any request for it.
The Temporary Media Commissioner is concerned that the interests of accurate reporting and editorial responsibility are badly served by Bota Sot's refusal to publish a simple correction in this case. Ms. Di Lellio emphasizes that such corrections are commonly accepted practice in newspapers worldwide in cases where inaccuracies are committed.