Media and Public Opinion Role in Policymaking Process in the Republic of Kosovo

Abstract

This paper examines relationships between media content, public opinion, and policymaking in Kosovo. In the relationship between policymakers and the public opinion, is also a third actor, the media, which I believe plays a huge role alongside citizens and politicians in shaping a certain opinion about, and influence on, politics. Public opinion is a major component of democratic societies, consider the space and the importance provided by political systems in democratic countries. Consequently, public opinion, on one side shows the degree of democratization of a country and on the other hand, the level of civic culture and civic activism. The policy-making process it is a crucial process, which should include all relevant stakeholders, not just those who formulate policies, but also those affected by these decisions, it requires the involvement of the citizen's voice and respective communities, in the process. The role of the public opinion in the policymaking process in Kosovo has been strengthened over the years and notably after Kosovo’s independence, especially in the first phase, that of problem identification. In this context, media plays a major role, including also new media and there are frequent cases when media reports or disclosure or influential personalities from civil society have influenced some citizens requirements to gain the deserved attention from the government.

Keywords: Kosovo, Media, Policymaking, Public opinion