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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 informed Media deserts remain an under-researched phenomenon in the Balkan media context, but the reality on the ground shows that the region is far from immune to this growing issue. Imagine that you are somewhere on a beach in the Balkans. The sun is

Call for small and local media in North Macedonia: Free technical support, AI tools, training and mentoring

Thomson Media, in partnership with IWM Network and NarativAI, is launching a call to select 12 local media outlets from North Macedonia to receive free technical assistance, access to professional AI tools and practical solutions to make their day-to-day work easier. The programme is designed to help small newsrooms improve the security of their websites, organize everyday tasks more easily, reach wider audiences and

Business Innovation Synergizer FAQ: What applicants need to know

Media organisations interested in the Media Innovation Europe 3.0 Business Innovation Synergizer (BIS) can now consult a new FAQ document providing additional answers and practical clarification for applicants ahead of the 20 September 2026 application deadline. The Business Innovation Synergizer supports established media organisations that have already developed or validated a business idea, plan or strategy and are ready to move towards implementation and growth. Selected organisations

How “For the Children of Veliko Tarnovo” tested its idea – and grew

When “For the Children of Veliko Tarnovo” entered the Validation Booster programme, it was already more than an idea. The platform existed, it had started working with advertisers, and its founder believed it was solving a real problem. What she did not yet know was whether the evidence supported that belief, or whether the project could become sustainable in the long term. Created to

New Validation Booster FAQ: What applicants need to know

Applicants interested in the Media Innovation Europe 3.0 Validation Booster call can now consult a new FAQ document addressing practical questions raised during the programme’s information session. The Validation Booster call is currently open to journalists, media organisations, content creators, media initiatives and media technology developers seeking support to test and validate new ideas for the media sector. The application deadline is 2 September 2026 at 23:59

Two open calls through Media Innovation Europe 3.0: Grants for media innovators, from idea to growth

Media Innovation Europe 3.0 (MIE 3.0) has opened two funding calls this summer, aimed at different stages of the same journey — turning a media idea into a validated concept, and turning a validated concept into a sustainable business. Together, the calls form a pipeline for media professionals across Europe: the Validation Booster helps innovators test and refine new ideas, while the Business Innovation Synergizer (BIS) helps established

Applications open for Business Innovation Synergizer: Grants of up to €30,000 for media organisations

Media Innovation Europe 3.0 has opened applications for the Business Innovation Synergizer, a programme supporting established media organisations in turning validated business ideas into sustainable products, services and revenue models. The application deadline is 20 September 2026 at 23:59 CET. The Business Innovation Synergizer, or BIS, is designed for professional media organisations that have already developed or validated a business idea, plan or strategy

Open call for journalists, creators and media innovators: Apply for the Validation Booster

Are you a journalist, media organisation, content creator, media initiative or media tech developer with an idea for a new digital product, service or format? The Validation Booster is now open for applications, offering a six-month acceleration programme to help you test, refine and validate innovative business ideas for the media sector. Implemented as a part of Media Innovation Europe 3.0. it is led by

Media Innovation Europe launches its third edition

Media Innovation Europe (MIE), a consortium dedicated to strengthening independent journalism across Europe, is proud to announce the launch of its third edition. Since 2022, MIE has distributed more than €1.2 million in grants to well over 100 independent media organisations, alongside countless hours of advisory support, providing the networks, resources, expertise, and tools to assert their own future and to sustain independence against

Second call open: Apply for content production grants for small media in the Western Balkans

Are you a small media outlet in the Western Balkans that is passionate about producing high-quality, independent journalism? The SMS Facility project invites applications for its small grants for media content production scheme, offering financial support of up to 7,000 EUR per outlet. The financial support provided through this public call aims to enhance the overall quality and professionalism of media content production in

Local journalism under pressure: The Sami Curri case in Bulqizë

On the night of 26 April 2026, the car of journalist Sami Curri was set on fire while parked near his residence in Bulqizë. Curri is the founder and editor of Bulqiza Ime, a local online media outlet covering local governance, mining activities, labour conditions and environmental issues in the Dibër region. He has reported from Bulqizë for close to a decade. The Dibra

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 often the first line of defence for public interest, yet they operate in an increasingly challenging environment. To support their vital work, Thomson Media has awarded grants to five selected media outlets under the “SMS Facility” project, enabling them to produce high-quality content on

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 Ewa Stańczak. Peter’s Note: We worked with Slawek and his team on digital product development this year as part of a program by the Thomson Media. It was quite the ride, so after a successful launch, I asked him if he was interested in
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