Skopje, 3 May 2024 (MIA) - On World Press Freedom Day, U.S. Ambassador to North Macedonia Angela Aggeler said elections highlight the crucial role media should and must play throughout the process. 

"Today is World Press Freedom Day, and elections highlight the crucial role media should and must play throughout the process. A free and vibrant press that examines facts, communicates ideas and proposals to the public, and presses officials to explain their position on issues that matter to the lives of citizens, and determine the course of the country," Ambassador Aggeler posted on the X platform. 

North Macedonia is ranked 36th out of 180 countries in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index, based on a report released by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), moving up two spots compared to last year when it came in 38th place.

North Macedonia is also ranked the highest among the Western Balkan countries, ahead of Montenegro (40), Slovenia (42), Croatia (48), Kosovo (75), Bosnia and Herzegovina (81), Serbia (98) and Albania (99).

"Although journalists do not work in a hostile environment, widespread disinformation and a lack of professionalism contribute to the decline of society's trust in the media, which exposes independent outlets to threats and attacks. Furthermore, government officials tend to have poor and demeaning attitudes towards journalists," reads the report. 

Photo: MIA archive