Hate speech in the media and public spaces has become a global challenge, but it is particularly dangerous in sensitive regions like Kosovo, where interethnic relations rely more on mutual understanding and the efforts of citizens than on political leaders’ directives. At a time when political
leaders are prone to inflammatory and polarizing statements, often echoed by the media, it is the citizens who maintain stability through their everyday relationships and mutual respect. Here lies the paradox of our society: while words that incite fear and insecurity resonate from the political leadership, the “foundation of the pyramid” remains more stable than its peak, and citizens demonstrate that coexistence can function despite political pressures.

Media play a crucial role in shaping public opinion, yet this influence can often be destructive. In Kosovo, where tensions already exist, media reporting that transmits hate speech or misinformation can contribute to creating volatile situations that may escalate into conflicts. This is not a specific problem for Kosovo or for Serbian or Albanian community media; it is a global phenomenon in which the media, consciously or unconsciously, promote intolerance instead of dialogue.
Often, some portals and journalists, in a quest for sensationalism or increased circulation, publish news that is not thoroughly verified or that reflects biased viewpoints. Such reporting may be accidental, but at times it is driven by a desire to attract attention and control the narrative. When the media inadvertently contribute to hate speech, it can be seen as a result of carelessness and lack of professionalism. However, when the intention is to manipulate the public, there is often a political interest behind it – fear, intolerance, and prejudice are encouraged to achieve a specific political goal. Political leaders in Kosovo bear a key responsibility for the current situation. Their rhetoric shapes how citizens perceive each other. Unfortunately, rather than building bridges between communities, many leaders use inflammatory rhetoric that promotes divisions. The rhetoric we hear from politicians does not contribute to stability; instead, it creates an atmosphere of mistrust and insecurity. Their influence on the media is also evident – when leaders at the top express hostility towards certain groups, it opens the door for the media to continue this narrative, either through open hate speech or through more subtle forms.

Citizens, on the other hand, demonstrate that mutual respect is possible, despite what is being voiced from the political leadership. A significant portion of the community on the ground continues to respect their neighbors, friends, and colleagues, regardless of their ethnic or political affiliations. Our social foundation, built on everyday human interactions, proves to be more stable and resilient than government structures, which by nature should ensure stability.
Change can only come through responsible leadership and professionalism in the media. The media must understand their role in spreading truth while also protecting society from harmful stereotypes and generalizations. If a balance is achieved between freedom of speech and responsibility, the media
can become key allies in the fight against hate speech. Additionally, punitive measures for spreading hate speech can be useful, but they must be applied carefully, as impartial interpretation and enforcement of laws require a high level of responsibility. Every punishment must be weighed with regard to freedom of expression and public interest.

Citizens, for their part, should seek out as many different sources of information as possible, critically evaluate what they read, and be aware that the truth often lies between several different perspectives. If citizens are informed and possess critical thinking skills, it will be harder to manipulate their views through inflammatory reporting or political rhetoric.

In Kosovo, where stability on the ground is established thanks to mutual trust among citizens, it is essential that responsible leadership and professional journalism are elevated to a higher level. Media, politicians, and citizens together form the foundation of the social structure, but the stability of this foundation can be lasting only if all parts of the pyramid work in the common interest. Reducing hate speech requires active contributions from all participants – media, politicians, and citizens – in creating a society that values dialogue and mutual understanding over conflict and division. If we succeed in this endeavor, Kosovo can become an example of successful coexistence where differences are not a threat but an opportunity to enrich society. Our future depends on how ready we are to build a common language and values that surpass all the differences that may divide us today.

This article is supported by the financial support of the European Union within the project “Countering Discrimination, Hate Speech and Gender-Based Violence”. The content of this publication is the responsibility of Advocacy Training and Resource Center – ATRC Center- ATRC, Internews Kosova and D4D and in no way can be considered as the position of the European Union.