The Role of the Independent Media Commission (IMC) in Ensuring the Legality of Audiovisual Media Services in the Republic of Kosovo

Session

Journalism, Media and Communication

Description

The regulation of audiovisual media services remains one of the most important challenges in the democratic and institutional development of the Republic of Kosovo. The Independent Media Commission (IMC) plays a fundamental role in ensuring the legality of broadcasting entities’ activities, by guaranteeing compliance with professional standards, pluralism, and the protection of the public interest. In this context, the alignment of IMC’s legal and regulatory framework with the European Union’s Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) holds particular importance as a prerequisite for European integration and the strengthening of the rule of law. The aim of this paper is to examine the impact and role of the IMC in monitoring, regulating, and ensuring the legality of media services in Kosovo, as well as to identify opportunities for improvement in approximation with European standards. The methodology applied is qualitative, relying on comparative analysis between domestic and European legal frameworks, interviews with local and international experts, and the review of internal regulations and relevant professional literature. Furthermore, the study draws on the analysis of best practices from regional and European regulators, supported by personal experience within the IMC and participation in international conferences. The results show that the IMC has established an important legal and institutional foundation for regulating the media market; however, challenges such as institutional independence, the effective implementation of sanctions, and continuous adaptation to new technologies require further improvement. In conclusion, the role of the IMC is indispensable for the consolidation of media democracy in Kosovo. Strengthening its capacities, aligning with the AVMSD, and increasing transparency are key elements for building a more sustainable media system in accordance with European standards.

Keywords:

Independent Media Commission, audiovisual media services, legality, media regulation, AVMSD Directive, institutional independence, legal harmonization

ISBN

978-9951-982-41-2

Location

UBT Lipjan, Kosovo

Start Date

25-10-2025 9:00 AM

End Date

26-10-2025 6:00 PM

DOI

10.33107/ubt-ic.2025.225

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Oct 25th, 9:00 AM Oct 26th, 6:00 PM

The Role of the Independent Media Commission (IMC) in Ensuring the Legality of Audiovisual Media Services in the Republic of Kosovo

UBT Lipjan, Kosovo

The regulation of audiovisual media services remains one of the most important challenges in the democratic and institutional development of the Republic of Kosovo. The Independent Media Commission (IMC) plays a fundamental role in ensuring the legality of broadcasting entities’ activities, by guaranteeing compliance with professional standards, pluralism, and the protection of the public interest. In this context, the alignment of IMC’s legal and regulatory framework with the European Union’s Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) holds particular importance as a prerequisite for European integration and the strengthening of the rule of law. The aim of this paper is to examine the impact and role of the IMC in monitoring, regulating, and ensuring the legality of media services in Kosovo, as well as to identify opportunities for improvement in approximation with European standards. The methodology applied is qualitative, relying on comparative analysis between domestic and European legal frameworks, interviews with local and international experts, and the review of internal regulations and relevant professional literature. Furthermore, the study draws on the analysis of best practices from regional and European regulators, supported by personal experience within the IMC and participation in international conferences. The results show that the IMC has established an important legal and institutional foundation for regulating the media market; however, challenges such as institutional independence, the effective implementation of sanctions, and continuous adaptation to new technologies require further improvement. In conclusion, the role of the IMC is indispensable for the consolidation of media democracy in Kosovo. Strengthening its capacities, aligning with the AVMSD, and increasing transparency are key elements for building a more sustainable media system in accordance with European standards.