Organisations for the Freedom of Concerned Media write to Kurti for apprehending RTK meant

The International Press Institute and four media freedom organisations have sent letters to Prime Minister Albin Kurti for the appointment process at Kosovo Radio Television.
They have expressed concern over the appointment of new television director Riley Gervala.

The Council of Europe standards for this process are cited on paper that appointments cannot be used to exert political or other influence on the functioning of public service media, as well as individuals appointed to leadership positions within public service broadcasters must be fully independent of all political parties and their interests.

However, it says on paper, notes that numerous news published by the media in Kosovo has shown clear links between Gervala and Vetevendosje.

Our “bodies believe these links question the integrity of the process and risk further undermine public confidence in the broadcaster's political autonomy”, it says on paper.

The institute has said it has monitored developments in the public broadcaster since Vetevendosje's arrival in power, and that it has observed the commendable “progress made during your administration in overseeing the depoliticisation of RTK and its management structures after decades of state control, including the recent management decisions made by the Board”.

It is vital that this difficult progress, led by your party, is not undermined. We believe that as long as Gervailla serves as television director, it will not allow you and your party to continue depoliticisation and reform on public broadcaster”, says Kurti's letter.

Meanwhile, the institute has suggested that the new recruiting and appointment process be organised to ensure that the position is met by a professional candidate, with no relation to the government or any political party.

Also, the institute, along with other organisations, has expressed concern over annual cuts in funding set for RTK from the government.

Organizations included in the letter: Article 19 Europe, European Centre for Freedom of Press and Media, European Federation of Journalists and Reporters Without Borders.