Criminal gangs, news source for journalists!

In Albania, as in many other countries, criminal gangs have become an important source of information for journalists.

Their illegal activities, often violent and involving serious crimes, attract media attention and affect the daily lives of citizens.

However, reporting on these groups poses special challenges and responsibilities that require special attention from journalists.

In Albania, in the latter case, we see that journalists rush to make the news, without confirming it. They simply trust the ‘source’ that uses it.

This was the news about the arrest of Marklen Haka (Dubai on July 31, 2024), while the 33-year-old was in Fushë-Kruje and followed the news about his arrest.

But what happened on September 6 and what led to Haka’s arrest is not known. In his testimony he stated that he had never left Albania.

Journalist Dritan Laçi said in a television studio during the news about the arrest of Marklen Haka in Dubai that journalists are either used by the police or by criminals.

According to journalist Laçi, the sources of the information range from the state police to a specific journalist, or the gangs are interested in providing such news.

Do criminal gangs influence news reporting:

Criminal gangs are often associated with serious crimes such as drug trafficking, prostitution, armed robbery and violence.

These activities create special events that attract the media and the public.

Journalists often attend these events to report on crimes, provide information about investigations, and inform the public about the threat posed by criminal gangs.

Risk and Safety of Chronicle Journalists:

Journalists who report on criminal gangs often face great danger.

The activities of these groups may include threats and violent acts against those who disturb them, including journalists.

The risk to the safety of journalists is a major concern and often requires special security measures and strategies to ensure the safety of those on the ground.

Chronicle Journalist Responsibility and Ethics:

An important ethical issue is the way journalists report on criminal gangs.

For example, there is a risk that the media will emphasize unnecessary details that could cause fear and panic among the public, or that they will glorify gangs and their actions.

Journalists must strike a balance between the need to inform and the responsibility not to contribute to the spread of criminal propaganda.

How the Media Falls into the Crime Trap

In some cases, the media falls into the trap of sensationalism, exaggerating or overdescribing the nature of crimes to grab readers’ attention.

This can have serious consequences for the victims of these crimes, but also for the general safety of the community.

Sensationalism can also give gangs a fearsome image, making them more powerful in the public eye.

The role of investigative journalism in the media and the community

Investigative journalism plays an important role in investigating the activities of criminal gangs. By exposing and highlighting the connections and activities of these groups, journalists can help stop crimes and contribute to improving public safety.

However, such reporting requires great care and significant resources to ensure that the information is accurate and protected from potential sanctions.

In conclusion, we can say that the relationship between criminal gangs and journalism is complex and often dangerous.

Journalists reporting on these groups must be particularly sensitive to the ethics and risks of their work, while ensuring that the information provided is accurate and useful to the public, without contributing to increased fear and uncertainty in society.

©Copyright Vox News
This article is exclusive to Vox News, it is protected by copyright according to Law No. 35/2016, “On Copyright and Related Rights”. The article can be republished by other media only by citing Vox News and placing the source link at the end, otherwise any violator will be held responsible according to Article 178 of Law No. 35/2016.