The Development of Roles in Kosovo: From Fixers to Journalists

Abstract

ABSTRACTFixers and the journalistic labour they provide have been examined by many researchers. This research sheds new light into the practices of fixers during and after the conflict in Kosovo to show how their work contributed to the development of the journalism profession in that country. This study demonstrates how an examination of the interaction between international correspondents and fixers can be conducted by exploring news production phases, interventions, and capacity building. The researchers analysed qualitative interviews, which took place in 2018, with thirty journalists and editors in Kosovo who have experience as fixers. It discusses the various teaching/learning aspects in the complex relationships between fixers and international journalists. We conclude that fixers learn from international journalists by being exposed to journalism practice over extended periods of time. We reveal an eagerness from fixers to learn aspects of news production, as well as various challenges in the relationship. Additionally, we draw on studies of international journalists and parachute journalism to show how knowledge from foreign journalists who work with fixers and local journalists contributes locally to developing the professional role of journalists.