Anthony Adornato Enhances Journalism Skills in Kosovo with Fulbright

Associate Professor Anthony Adornato recently completed a transformative three-week experience in Kosovo as a Fulbright Specialist. His mission focused on training journalists at the nation’s public service broadcaster, Radio Television of Kosovo (RTK). Adornato’s work was part of the New Trends in Communication project, aimed at enhancing journalistic practices in the region.

Adornato, who serves as the chair of broadcast and digital journalism at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, engaged closely with RTK’s newsroom. He collaborated with reporters on various stories, including high-profile court cases and environmental issues impacting local communities. His training included hands-on sessions addressing social media strategies and audience engagement.

“It was such a rewarding experience,” Adornato said. “I was welcomed with open arms and felt right at home at RTK.”

RTK’s Role in Kosovo’s Media Landscape

Established following the Kosovo War, which lasted from February 1998 to June 1999, RTK plays a pivotal role in disseminating news throughout the country. It reaches audiences via both radio and television, serving not only residents of Kosovo but also the significant Kosovar diaspora. Programming is provided in both Albanian and Serbian, reflecting the nation’s linguistic diversity.

Despite being primarily funded by the state, RTK faces ongoing concerns about editorial independence and sustainability. The current financial crisis stems from the failure of governmental institutions to allocate the legally approved budget. In response, the International and European Federations of Journalists, along with the Association of Journalists of Kosovo, have urged authorities to ensure stable funding for RTK.

Training Focus and Journalistic Challenges

Adornato’s training encompassed various modern journalistic practices, emphasizing mobile journalism and multimedia storytelling. He worked closely with RTK’s social media and website teams, where they developed new strategies to enhance engagement. The social media team adopted new approaches on Instagram, aiming to provide followers with more meaningful content and interaction.

The challenges facing RTK journalists are significant. They operate under constraints of outdated equipment, staffing shortages, and low wages. Despite these difficulties, the dedication among journalists to uphold the core values of journalism—accuracy, accountability, and integrity—remains strong.

“Witnessing efforts to build democratic systems, particularly a free press, was incredibly impactful,” Adornato noted. He highlighted the critical role RTK plays in promoting transparency and combating disinformation, especially in the context of foreign influences from Russia and Serbia, which seek to undermine Kosovo’s independence.

Both Kosovo and the United States share a passion for journalism, according to Adornato. He noted that while Kosovo’s media operates with more limited resources, the commitment to truth-telling and serving the public interest is evident in both nations.

Future Collaborations and Recommendations

Looking ahead, Adornato envisions his collaboration with RTK continuing beyond his initial visit. Discussions about future training sessions and knowledge-sharing initiatives are already underway. He emphasizes the potential for long-term partnerships that can emerge from Fulbright experiences.

For faculty considering a similar opportunity, Adornato encourages applying for the Fulbright program, whether through the Specialist or Scholar pathways. He believes these experiences offer enriching personal and professional opportunities.

“Fulbright experiences often lead to longer-term collaborations,” Adornato said, referencing his previous work in Italy that resulted in an annual invitation back to teach mobile and social media journalism.

The insights gained during his time in Kosovo underline the importance of supporting journalism in transitional democracies. By fostering international collaborations, educators can contribute to the resilience and development of media institutions worldwide.