Jona Kaso: A journalist dedicated to truth
Jona Kaso is a 25-year-old Albanian journalist at the start of her career, and is focused on fact-checking and investigative journalism. Jona believes that journalism can play a key role in improving transparency and accountability in Albania and the Western Balkans
Fact-checking and investigative journalism are so important here in the Western Balkan countries. Nowadays people need access to reliable information, and we – as journalists need to follow up on issues to create real change. That’s very important!, says Jona.
Learning and growing through collaboration
Jona began her journalism career during her first year of studies in journalism, working with several traditional and online media outlets in Albania. Since then she has been involved in projects focused on exposing disinformation and addressing social issues in her country, but also in the region. Last year, in October, she participated in the Summer University of Fact-Checking in Budva, Montenegro, organized under the Balkan Voices 2 project. The training provided her with practical tools and ideas to improve her reporting.
The workshops made me realize how much work there is to do in fact-checking and how important it is to collaborate across borders. It was not just about learning new tools and techniques to combat misinformation, but also about connecting with like-minded journalists and media professionals from across the region. The sessions were highly interactive, offering practical insights that I can easily adapt to my daily work. Beyond that, the event fostered a collaborative atmosphere, allowing us to exchange ideas, share challenges, and build professional relationships. It was truly inspiring to see the commitment to promoting truth and integrity in the media from all the young journalists, Jona says.
Looking to the future
Even though she is still in the early stages of her career, Jona is determined to develop her skills and contribute to media programs that make a real impact in the society. She believes Albania and the Western Balkans need more initiatives focused on fact-checking, follow-ups, and ethical journalism and at this stage she is eager to continue learning and collaborating with other journalists in the region.
Jona hopes to inspire others to think critically about the media they consume.
It’s not just about writing stories; it’s about building trust with the audience and showing them that accurate information can make a real difference. Journalism in Albania has many challenges, but also so many opportunities to grow and improve.
