Join the Innovation Hub: Fully funded opportunity for Western Balkans journalists and content creators

min read

Two day on-site workshop to develop impactful storytelling and digital solutions on sustainability and accountability

Are you a journalism student, a young or mid-career journalist, or a content creator from the Western Balkans eager to shape the future of media? Do you want to play a pivotal role in covering the region’s green transition, shedding light on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and circular economy practices while holding stakeholders accountable?

The Innovation Hub is calling for passionate media professionals from the Western Balkans to apply for a unique, fully funded opportunity to develop digital content and media solutions that spotlight the region’s shift towards a more sustainable and just future.

The workshop is part of the Thomson Media and Open Society Foundation Western Balkans supported project Greening the Narratives: Advancing Awareness of the Green Transition in the Western Balkans.

During the two-day, in-person workshop, which will be held from 7 to 8 June 2025 in Subotica, Serbia, selected participants will collaborate with senior journalists, green transition specialists, and business development experts from across the Western Balkans and Central Europe.

Participants will dive deep into the evolving story of the green transition, exploring the media’s watchdog role and identifying new ways to inform and engage the public on environmental and energy-related issues. The workshop will focus on two key streams: content development and digital solutions/business model innovation.

What to expect

– Hands-on training: Learn from leading experts in solution journalism, creative writing, idea validation, and the green transition

– Mentorship: Receive personalised support from senior media and business development specialists

– Networking: Build connections with like-minded peers and professionals across the region

– Collaborative Projects: Work in teams to design and pitch actionable content strategies and digital products

– Follow-up Opportunities: Top ideas will receive support through Thomson Foundation’s Validation Booster  programme, with potential pathways to a Fellowship

Who should apply

The call is open to:

– Journalism students with a drive to address pressing societal challenges;

– Young and mid-career journalists committed to innovation;

– Content creators with fresh, impactful storytelling perspectives;

– Media initiatives founded by civil society organisations focused on social change

How to apply

Interested candidates must submit their applications by 11 May, 23:59 CET. Applications should include:

– A brief CV;

– A short note in the body of the email indicating the stream of interest: content development or digital solutions/business models;

– A motivation letter explaining their interest in the green transition and what they hope to gain from the Innovation Hub.

Applications and inquiries should be sent to IlchoC@thomsonfoundation.org

The organisers will fully cover travel and accommodation costs for selected participants.

Read more HERE.

Journalift is an online resource platform with state-of-the-art hands-on practices and knowledge for people who want to know more about media development, media business and the newest trends in the media industry. It has been designed as a knowledge hub focused on the media outlets needs.
We see ourselves as ‘game changers’, in the media development community that bring new ideas, innovative tools and result-based approaches to media businesses operation.

Related articles:

Top stories from Journalift:

Topics:

Latest Articles:

Vanishing voices: The rise of Media Deserts in the Balkans
As local journalism fades across small towns and villages, a growing silence threatens democracy, accountability, and the right to be
New Chapter for Local Journalism: Five Serbian Media Outlets Awarded Grants to Produce Public Interest Content
SMS Facility provides financial and mentoring support to help small newsrooms deliver meaningful journalism Local media outlets across Serbia are
How digital transformation was killing me softly (and why it was worth it)
Author: Slawek Blich Case study was originally published in Media Finance Monitor. Visuals in the case study were created by
The EU Investigative Journalism Award 2025 celebrated bold reporting, regional impact, and a continued rise in public-interest journalism
What this year's investigations reveal about power, abuse, and accountability in the region Investigative journalists across the Western Balkans and
EU Investigative Journalism Award 2025: Meet the Winners
The EU Investigative Journalism Award 2025 has officially concluded, celebrating the most impactful investigative work from the Western Balkans and