CLIMBING THE LADDERS OF SUCCESS WITH ANA JOVKOVSKA: “I DON’T WANT TO SWIM WITH SENSATIONALIST SHARKS, I DON’T WANT TO SIMPLIFY, AND I DON’T WANT TO COMPROMISE VALUES AND QUALITY.”
Ana Jovkovska is a scientific researcher, Ph.D. candidate in cultural studies, Master of Cultural Studies, graduate journalist, author, columnist, TV editor, and public relations specialist. She is the author of seven books: “The Pulse and Time,” “Echo of Freedom,” “I Love, Therefore I Exist,” the illustrated children’s book “To the Sky and Back,” “Emotional Sediment,” “The Art of Dialogue,” and the illustrated children’s book “Love in a Ball.”
Since 2021, Jovkovska has been employed as a scientific researcher at the Institute of Macedonian Literature in Skopje, part of Ss. Cyril and Methodius University.
Together with Ana Jovkovska, we reflect on her student days, challenges, and youthful aspirations…
“I got a jolt when I thought about how many years have passed since my graduation. It’s been 20 years since I graduated from the Interdisciplinary Journalism Studies program at the Faculty of Law in Skopje. But journalism is much more than a diploma. It’s a calling, a passion, an impulse, a knot in your stomach… Deciding what to study wasn’t easy. For a long time, I was convinced that psychiatry and the Faculty of Medicine would be my choice. I also considered philosophy, psychology, and literature. However, I am firmly convinced that my instinct guided me well and that I made the best choice for myself at that moment. From the very first day of my journalism studies, I had the opportunity to learn the craft practically through daily work in the media, specifically in television,” Ana shares with us.
20 Years in Television
At just 19 years old, Ana Jovkovska launched her own show, “Fix-Idea,” on TV Sitel. After graduating, she was offered the position of editor for the Morning Program.
“That was actually a pivotal crossroads in my life. At the same time, upon graduating as the best student of my generation, I received an offer to stay at the Faculty of Law and work as an assistant or demonstrator. But something told me that the media was my path. And that’s how it turned out, as television was my great love for 20 years, even from childhood. I officially joined TV Sitel (after working there on a freelance basis) and became one of the youngest editors at just 23 years old. It was a tremendous opportunity and privilege, but also a significant responsibility.”
The next important step in her education was enrolling in postgraduate studies in Communications at the Institute for Sociological, Political, and Legal Research at Ss. Cyril and Methodius University.
“The opportunity to learn from professors like Ivan Djeparoski, Antoanela Petkovska, Goran Janev, and others was fantastic. The third and most cherished milestone in my education came with my second postgraduate studies in Cultural Studies at the Institute of Macedonian Literature, also under Ss. Cyril and Methodius University. But curiosity and the desire for learning have no end, so after completing my master’s, I felt the urge to pursue doctoral studies. And that’s what happened,” Jovkovska adds.
When asked what has filled her biography over the years, Ana Jovkovska elaborates:
“I’ll start with the most recent. Three years ago, I became a Ph.D. candidate in Cultural Studies and joined the Institute of Macedonian Literature at Ss. Cyril and Methodius University. This marked an even deeper dive into scientific research. But who I am today is a result of what I’ve been deeply investing in education, media work, and cultural policies every single day over the past 25 years. Deeply digging nails into education, media work, and cultural policies, experience with numerous diverse projects and research in the fields of cultural studies, communication studies, media education, gender studies, and the creative industries. Transitions were essential along this path. A person who doesn’t change doesn’t grow. My dynamic nature demands challenges that are not confined within boundaries, within four walls, or in the status quo. But to uproot yourself from one profession and plant yourself in another comes with risks, yet also with joy. It gives you a new angle to view professional matters—a fresh perspective. I’ve always been afraid of stagnant environments, conservative communities, and false hierarchies. Whenever I felt that I could no longer grow or soar in a certain environment, I gained the need and courage for change. Interestingly, and almost mathematically precise, my career cycles have been in seven-year phases—seven years at Macedonian Television, seven years at TV Sitel, seven years at TV Alfa, and then seven years of freelancing and consulting work on various local and international projects, including print and online media. In this new cycle, which began three years ago with my work at the university, I might stay longer—who knows. There’s another connection to number seven: my seven published books. But if I had to answer what I enjoy the most—whether it’s literature, writing, journalism, interviews as a unique form, columns (which I also wrote consistently for seven years), or the stage—moderating public events, conferences, panel discussions, book promotions, communication skills training, or perhaps scientific work—the most honest and diplomatic answer is WRITING!” – Jovkovska emphasizes.
Award-Winning for Best TV Project
Ana Jovkovska’s first professional responsibilities were at Macedonian Television (MTV), working on the educational show “Pulse Quiz” while she was still underage. She points to her work at TV Sitel, which she managed alongside her journalism studies, as her first significant work experience.
“At the same time, I happened to fall in love with one of the cameramen I worked with, and we ended up in a relationship for seven years. It was an interesting journey. Working in television and being in a relationship with a director of photography was a constant challenge and daily battle of wits. My husband, however, with whom I’ve been together for 15 years now, is a film director. Thankfully, with him, we skillfully avoided mixing our personal and professional lives,” Ana recalls.
What truly established Ana Jovkovska’s name in the industry was her authorial TV show “Pulse.” Initially co-produced at TV Sitel, the show earned her recognition and an offer to work at TV Alfa, where she continued the program.
“This debate show aired during prime-time slots starting in 2007 and for nearly a decade analyzed the socio-cultural phenomena of our time. As the author and producer of the show, I had too many irons in the fire. Journalism was just a small part of the entire production process. During that period, I worked weekends and often stayed late in the studio and editing room. I was awarded several times for the best TV project in Macedonia. However, the official awards meant less to me than the genuine feedback from the audience. Unfortunately, the media environment became increasingly polluted, and at one point, I realized I didn’t want to swim with sensationalist sharks, didn’t want to sell myself for political points, didn’t want to simplify for the sake of ratings, and didn’t want to compromise on values and quality. That’s when I decided to leave the murky waters of Macedonian media. It was a process and a difficult decision to make after 20 years of continuous work in television, much of it in editorial positions. Right after resigning, I published my first book. That marked the beginning of a new adventure with books, including two illustrated children’s books. Today, I’m preparing my eighth book, which is set to be released next year,” Ana shares with us.
An Unfulfilled Dream: A Creative Documentary Film
Today, Ana Jovkovska’s primary focus is on scientific research at the Institute of Macedonian Literature. Her work includes publishing academic papers in national and international journals, participating in conferences, and contributing to various projects.
“Of course, a significant new challenge for me is working with students in our Cultural Studies programs (both postgraduate and doctoral), where exceptional professors like Ana Martinoska, Goce Smilevski, Natasha Avramovska, Aleksandar Prokopiev, Maja Jakimovska-Toshikj, Sonja Stojmenska-Elzeser, Darin Angelovski, Loreta Georgievska-Jakovleva, and many others (it would take a lot of space to name all my colleagues) teach. The rest of my energy is channeled into writing. This year, I published two books: ‘The Art of Dialogue’ (IML) and the illustrated children’s book ‘Love in a Ball’ (Firefly Edition).”
At this stage of her career, Ana has the freedom to be highly selective about the freelance projects she accepts, whether they involve concepts and scripts, communication strategies, moderating panel discussions, forums, promotions, or other activities.
“If it’s a cause that matters to me, there’s no hesitation about whether I should contribute,” she adds.
Ana Jovkovska says her greatest motivation and inspiration in life and career come from her parents.
“Their wind beneath my wings. Their unconditional trust and support. And, of course, my partner and husband—his love. Today, my daily motivation and drive come from and for my eight-year-old child. I want to be an example of a good person, especially for him! One of my primary focuses for the coming period is completing my doctorate in the field of gender and trauma in literature, film, and popular culture. I’m also preparing a new professional book, set to be published in 2025. And my unfulfilled dream remains—creating a creative documentary film! It feels like it’s shining from somewhere in my future,” Ana concludes.
