Challenges of Print Newspapers in Kosovo in the Period 1999 to 2020

Abstract

The research objective is to examine the challenges faced by newspapers in Kosovo from 1999 to 2020. By using qualitative methods, the study aims to identify the factors that have led to the discontinuation of daily printed newspapers in Kosovo. The main drivers of this trend have been identified as the speed at which news can reach readers through electronic media, as well as the financial burden of unsold newspapers on the editorial offices, rather than on distribution networks. The findings of the study indicate that, as of March 2020, Kosovo has been left without daily newspapers due to the Covid-19 pandemic, as the government implemented measures that resulted in the temporary closure of business that newspapers. This has led to the accelerated closure of four daily print newspapers in Kosovo, which now only continue to publish in an electronic format. The pressure caused by these circumstances ultimately led to the discontinuation of printing and the shift to electronic version, which have a much lower financial cost.