What is the future of journalism and media in Macedonia, given the challenges of a weak media market, ethical dilemmas in the online sphere, ineffective regulations, and the increasing dependence of media on state funds?
This question is at the core of the research on the future of media in North Macedonia, which examines the current state, trends, and risks within the media landscape that could influence its development, as well as the progression of democracy.
The analysis highlights that the weak economic power of the market cannot sustain the growth of the audiovisual sector or ensure the long-term viability of media outlets. On the other hand, the study points to the rising financial support for media through the state budget, which could foster media clientelism and enable political influence.
Disinformation and violations of ethical standards—especially in the online sphere—underscore the need for minimum regulation in this segment. In broader socio-political terms, systemic corruption and a lack of transparency diminish trust in institutions, including media organizations.
The study concludes that without the establishment of precise and effective regulations, transparent policies across all areas of the media industry—free from political influence—as well as further strengthening of self-regulatory mechanisms, professional journalism, media pluralism, and the media industry itself cannot develop sustainably.
The research was conducted across all Western Balkan countries and Turkey, aiming to assess the current state and identify new trends in various indicators: journalism, the media landscape, media ownership and financing, media representation and participation, media consumption, public trust, and democracy.
This initiative is part of the regional project “Our Media: A Civil Society Action to Generate Media Literacy and Activism, Counter Polarisation and Promote Dialogue,” supported by the European Union. The project is carried out by nine media organizations from the Western Balkans, Turkey, and Slovenia between 2023 and 2026.
Co-funded by the European Union
The regional program “Our Media: A civil society action to generate media literacy and activism, counter polarisation and promote dialogue” is implemented with the financial support of the European Union by partner organizations SEENPM, Albanian Media Institute, Mediacentar Sarajevo, Press Council of Kosovo, Montenegrin Media Institute, Macedonian Institute for Media, Novi Sad School of Journalism, Peace Institute and Bianet.
This article was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of SEENPM and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.
