Gipsy TV is a pioneering organisation dedicated to nurturing the next generation of Roma journalists by providing a high-quality, ethical journalism environment. As an incubator for professional development, it empowers young Roma journalists to hone their skills and explore innovative reporting techniques.
They embarked on its mentorship journey to elevate the visibility and quality of journalism for and about the Roma community in Slovakia. Aim was to improve their content production by creating high-quality, diverse programming for both TV and social media, showcasing the richness of Roma culture.
Key objectives included creating a comprehensive social media promotion plan to boost visibility and engagement, identifying potential fundraising opportunities to support their mission, and standardizing editorial processes to ensure consistency and quality across all their content platforms. These efforts aimed to establish a more substantial presence and foster meaningful connections with their audience.
Despite its commitment to producing quality content and insightful reporting, Gipsy TV has faced challenges related to financial stability and strategic planning.
Initially, the newsroom needed more strategic direction, particularly in defining its business model and diversifying its revenue streams. Although they secured some funding by selling TV production segments to the Slovak Public Broadcasting Service and occasionally relied on donor-based financing, the absence of a clear financial strategy hampered their ability to monetize their platform effectively.
The newsroom also faced operational challenges, including limited resources, an inconsistent content production schedule, and the absence of a permanent employee base. Their approach to social media was sporadic, lacking a structured posting schedule and a clear strategy for community engagement. Additionally, the editorial team needed to have better processes, leading to content creation and dissemination inefficiencies.
This initial state highlighted the need for a more structured and strategic approach to content production and business development, paving the way for their mentorship journey.
At the outset of the collaboration, the mentorship focused on addressing the critical issues identified within Gipsy Television to enhance their overall performance and success in the media industry. This process involved establishing structured communication channels, including weekly online meetings, business model canvas, and project management workshops, as well as consistent daily communication.
The mentoring aimed to foster a strategic shift in thinking, improve newsroom activities, and enhance staff organisation. The process included efforts to shift the mindset of leadership and staff, focusing on capacity building through knowledge and skills development. Significant progress was made in growing Gipsy TV’s social media presence and visibility with the creation of a comprehensive social media plan and manual.
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The team also developed internal documents to identify potential fundraising opportunities and diversified financing sources, supporting the stabilisation and growth of the media project.
Furthermore, advancements were made in defining aspects of the business model canvas, marking important milestones in Gipsy Television’s journey toward sustainable improvement. These efforts laid the groundwork for the organisation’s continued development and resilience in the media landscape.
The editorial team at Gipsy TV operates under a unique and somewhat precarious structure, where contributors work on a freelance basis rather than as full-time employees. These freelancers, often employed by other organisations, are contracted for specific tasks or projects at Gipsy TV. This arrangement, while flexible, introduces significant challenges to the stability and consistency of the newsroom. With strategic oversight and better management, they are committed to transitioning towards a more stable and sustainable operational environment, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness and impact of their content production.
Gipsy TV achieved several key milestones, including significant growth in community engagement and visibility. The outlet enhanced its social media video content approach, resulting in more effective audience reach.
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Additionally, they developed important internal documents, such as a social media plan and manual, editorial guidelines, and a document outlining potential fundraising opportunities. These achievements have collectively strengthened the operational and strategic foundations of Gipsy TV.
