This study presents the findings from the regional research project conducted among journalists from three Western Balkans countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Serbia. The main objective was to gain insight and identify means of facilitating dialogue and cooperation between journalists and judicial authorities in these countries and to establish priority areas and actions for transforming the current “antagonistic” relationship into a partnership for the benefit of the public. At a regional level, this is the first comprehensive study that comparatively examines the various aspects and causes of the tense relationship between these two professions, both of which are exceptionally important for a democratic society.
In each country, primary data collection was conducted from July to November 2021 and consisted of three phases: in-depth interviews, online surveys and focus groups with journalists who report on court proceedings or who report or comment on the work of the judicial system. Journalists’ associations from the three countries selected national researchers who conducted the interviews and focus group discussions, while the online survey was administered by a professional research agency. In each country, an expert was engaged to review the research reports drafted by the national researchers.