Why audience validation is only the beginning of building sustainable, impactful media projects Media innovation rarely starts with numbers or business plans. It begins with a feeling that something important is missing—and with people who care enough to try to fix it. During the latest Validation Booster cycle, I worked with several media teams that carried that kind of motivation. Among them, two stood
Asuman Aranca Kol reflects on her award-winning work, the risks of investigative journalism, and the enduring fight for justice Asuman Aranca Kol, a journalist with nearly 15 years of experience as a court reporter, has dedicated her career to identifying stories that others might overlook. Her award-winning investigation into the murder of Sinan Ateş, the former president of the Grey Wolves, Turkish far-right paramilitary
Investigative journalism as a shield for environmental justice In the borderlands between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia lies Trgovska Gora, a site at the heart of an environmental controversy. Dejan Rakita, the second-prize winner of the EU Investigative Journalism Award 2024 for Bosnia and Herzegovina, has illuminated the high-stakes implications of Croatia’s plan to store low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste near the Una River.
From Albania to North Macedonia: Revealing systemic irregularities, bureaucratic challenges, and the need for transparency in distributing IPARD II funds In the realm of investigative journalism, delving into systemic corruption is no small feat. Geri Emiri, alongside Aida Ciro and Aleksandar Dimitrievski of Amfora.al, earned 3rd prize at the EU Investigative Journalism Awards 2024 for uncovering the misuse of IPARD II funds in Albania
How one journalist’s courage exposed a national scandal and sparked a movement for change Irena Mulachka, a distinguished journalist and winner of the EU Investigative Journalism Award 2024 for North Macedonia, has shone a spotlight on one of North Macedonia’s most pressing healthcare scandals: the mismanagement and corruption in the Skopje Oncology Department. Since 2019, Irena has delved into the dark corners of oncology
How Radmilo Marković’s award-winning investigation revealed the systemic failures fuelling Belgrade’s urban chaos The 3rd prize-winning piece for the EU Investigative Journalism Award 2024 in Serbia uncovered an alarming scale of illegal construction in and dubious legalisation of buildings in Belgrade through the meticulous investigative work of Radmilo Marković from BIRN. His award-winning piece started in the Mirijevo neighbourhood, where buildings were legalised despite
A step-by-step handbook to help you start, grow, and thrive in podcasting Thinking about starting a podcast? Maybe you’ve got a story that’s begging to be told, a niche you want to share with the world, or you’re looking to connect with your audience in an exciting new way. Whatever your reason, podcasting can feel overwhelming when faced with the nuts and bolts of
Unmasking the shadows: The ancient ritual that brings darkness to light in Ratevo Every year, the small village of Ratevo in North Macedonia becomes the stage for an ancient, spine-chilling ritual. Shadows emerge from the darkness – ominous figures draped in mystery, evoking fear and uncertainty. Accompanied by the eerie clang of heavy bells, these creatures seem straight out of a legend, their presence
Andrea Perišić’s investigation reveals a web of illegal operations destroying Montenegro’s cultural heritage, while authorities remain silent amidst political distractions Andrea Perišić from the Center for Investigative Journalism of Montenegro (CIN-CG) is this year’s third-prize EU Investigative Journalism Award winner in Montenegro. Andrea did a powerful expose, “Smuggling of Montenegro archeological treasures: They blow up, sell and destroy heritage without punishment,” which highlights how
Award-winning journalists from the Western Balkans and Türkiye break new ground with impactful investigations on healthcare, environmental threats, human rights, and corruption The EU Investigative Journalism Award 2024 has spotlighted an extraordinary range of talent, perspectives, and emerging journalistic themes. This year, a record 283 stories were submitted by 256 authors and teams from 115 media outlets. Juries covered the Western Balkans and Türkiye,
Recognising impactful journalism that brings vital issues in the Western Balkans and Türkiye to light The EU Investigative Journalism Award 2024 has concluded, celebrating powerful stories from the Western Balkans and Türkiye that have illuminated crucial issues. This year’s awards honour fearless journalism that champions freedom of expression, and transparency, covering impactful topics shaping national and regional landscapes. These are the stories that made
Exploring how social media is shaping modern storytelling and audience engagement Original article was published by The Fix Media. The future of journalism is undeniably visual. As social media continues to shape how audiences consume news, visual journalism becomes increasingly vital in cutting through the clutter, delivering information clearly and effectively, and engaging audiences. Lazar Čovs, an investigative and data journalist working for BBC