North Macedonia Journalist Safety Report Flags Online Harassment and Economic Insecurity

The Macedonian Journalists Association (SHGM) and the Journalists' Association of North Macedonia (ZNM) released their 2025 annual report, "Indicators of Media Freedom and Journalist Safety Index 2025." The report notes positive steps such as the creation of an online media register and the appointment of new members to media regulator councils, but it also highlights that fundamental reforms and full alignment with the European Union's Media Freedom Act remain unfinished.

The Journalist Safety Index shows improved institutional response to some physical attacks, yet serious challenges persist. Online harassment, hate speech, public discrediting, and a lack of effective accountability continue to threaten journalists. The report especially points to a rise in sexist online attacks against female reporters. Economic vulnerability of media outlets, particularly private and local ones, is identified as a key risk to pluralism and editorial independence.

The findings were prepared within the regional SafeJournalists network, marking its tenth anniversary, and underscore the need for stronger legal guarantees and better protection for journalists in North Macedonia.