Local Journalism - European Perspectives

Independent qualitative journalism is facing multiple challenges on a global scale, including in the Western Balkans. Fake news and targeted disinformation attacks, restrictions on freedom of expression, intimidation and arrests of journalists, high competition and financial difficulties are threatening the very existence of journalism. Local journalism in particular is vulnerable to these developments. Therefore, it's more essential now than ever before to equip local journalists and the local media with the skills to better meet these obstacles.

The project “Local Journalism - European Perspectives” aims to increase the capacities of local, independent and quality media in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia. In order to reach this goal, three workshops will be held on financial sustainability, safe information management, how to verify information and partake in cross-border cooperation. Each workshop concludes with a "journalism slam" where local journalists present their work and working methods to a local audience in order to strengthen the population’s confidence in qualitative journalistic work. The format is inspired by poetry slams and is an opportunity for the local audience to interact with journalists. As a result, this method assures that the public's trust in qualitative journalistic work is strengthened. In addition, the local media are connected with other European local media in order to promote transnational cooperation. By joining the n-ost network, local journalists are also integrated into broader European media discourses.

The project is co-organised by n-ost and the partner organisation BIRN (Balkan Investigative Reporting Network), with the support of the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development.

You can find an article on the first workshop held in Tuzla in June 2021 on BIRN’s website. Watch a report on the Journalism Slam in Tuzla by RTV 7, a local, public television channel.