How an award-winning investigation turned tragedy into a powerful narrative podcast When journalists Stefan Marković and Jovana Tomić began investigating the fatal accident at the Serbian coal mine “Soko,” which occurred in 2022, they did not plan to produce a narrative podcast. The accident, caused by a sudden and uncontrolled release of methane inside the mine, left eighteen people injured and claimed the lives
Exploring the tough choices female artists face beyond their creativity The podcast episode, entitled “Artists above Dichotomy,” presents three artists: Aleksandra Đukić, Mona Lacko, and Jelena Grujicić. In this episode, authors Tamara Tica and Mirana Dmitrović, talk to three female artists – from a slightly different angle. They do not deal with their creativity but with the conditions in which they live and work,
Essential strategies for crafting compelling pitches and securing funding for media ventures Embarking on the exhilarating journey to validate a media business idea is thrilling and challenging. To turn your concept into reality, you need to master the art of pitching, embrace passionate storytelling, and navigate the complex landscape of funding opportunities.  This guide, inspired by the Pitch workshop realised with the Validation Booster
Empowering the next generation of journalists through collaboration and mentorship Are you a young journalist or journalism student from Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, or Kosovo, passionate about tackling the evolving challenges in today’s media landscape? Apply now for a free workshop Beyond the headlines: Crafting the ideas for the future of journalism that aims to inspire and equip the next generation of journalists in
Exploring creative potential and overcoming challenges One of the participants of the Culture and Creativity programme for the Western Balkans is Sofija Borković, author of the podcast Living outloud. In Sofija’s words, the podcast is dedicated to creativity, creation, inspiration and inner guidance that guides us towards the realisation of our own dreams and creative potential. As part of the CC4WB programme, Sofija has
Discover the essential steps to test, refine, and validate your media business ideas for lasting success Imagine reaching out to a close friend, relative, or anyone who loves and cares about you and asking them if your media-related business idea is good. The excellent feedback (although Balkan millennials would somewhat disagree) you would receive might put you on a hopeful, resource-consuming path, only to
How to shift focus from social media to newsletters and build a loyal, engaged audience A few years back, every media outlet was obsessing over Facebook and trying to find ways to grow its audience on the most popular social network in the world. Today, the media obsession with Facebook is still here, but it took a different, darker turn. Instead of focusing on
How strategic mentorship enhances idea validation, market research, and competitive advantage in business ventures In today’s fast-paced and competitive business environment, organisations need innovative solutions to stay ahead. One effective way to foster creativity and strategic thinking is through mentoring teams. This is a personal experience from a mentorship perspective while guiding different teams during the Validation Booster programme in defining their ideas, conducting
Legends of love and fertility: Mystical sites in the Balkans Two mysterious places in the Balkans: the White Bridge in Vranje, Serbia, and the Black Stone in Veles, North Macedonia are steeped in legends and historical narratives that continue to captivate the imagination of locals and visitors alike. The White Bridge is a poignant symbol of a tragic love story between a Serb and
Preserving heritage: The enduring artistry of clock repair and woodworking in an age of rapid technological change Original article was published here. Liljana Bogojevic and Blagoja Trpkov, in their late 70s, are part of the decreasing number of traditional craftsmen in Serbia and Macedonia. Their dedication to clock repairment and woodworking creates a strong contrast to the youth’s fading interest in old crafts. Their
Artistic expression as a path to inclusion Original article was published here. Vulnerable groups in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia often live on the margins of society due to underdeveloped support systems. But there are initiatives in Zenica and Novi Sad that help their integration into the community through art. Wednesday is the favourite day of the week for Sandro Valentic from Zenica. On
A glimpse into the rich history and economic significance of the royal mint during the Ottoman Empire Original article was published here. “Mehmed, son of Khan Murat, bright victory to him  in 1470”, is printed on the obverse of one of the rare preserved coins that were minted during the Ottoman Empire in the mint in Kratovo. This silver coin is one of the
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