The award recognizes exceptional professional dedication, investigative persistence, and a strong sense of public interest demonstrated by these journalists and editorial teams. Their work contributed to uncovering the causes, oversights, and accountability related to one of the most tragic events in the country’s recent history – the fire at the “Pulse” nightclub in Kocani. Through their investigations, they raised essential questions about institutional responsibility, illegal conduct, and systemic corruption, while providing the public with a more complete, documented, and evidence-based understanding of the circumstances that led to the tragedy.

Second Prize was shared by the team from BIRN Macedonia for their research and database on religious properties of the MOC-OA and IVZ, and journalists Aleksandar Metodiev and Suzana Miceva for the series “Coal at the Crossroads.”

The third Prize was awarded jointly to journalist Fisnik Xhelili for his story on the misuse of funds for stray dog treatment in Tetovo, published on Portalb, and Aleksandar Dimitrievski for his story “Police Special Forces to Be Outfitted by a Women’s Fashion Studio and a Company Registered Before the Tender”, published on 360 Degrees.

Certificates of recognition for Outstanding Journalistic Engagement were given to Miroslava Simonovska and Frosina Fakova Serafinović, Bjanka Stanković, Slavica Filipovska Ivanova, and Mihail Miloshevski.

This year’s competition was announced on January 27 and opened until February 17, 2026, and received 42 stories across 122 texts and video articles.

The jury’s overall conclusion is that the best stories this year are distinguished by thorough fact checking, diverse sources, serial or long-term investigative approaches, clear structure, and the ability to translate complex topics into understandable and impactful journalistic products. These qualities affirm the essential role of investigative journalism as a corrective to institutions and a pillar of democratic society.

The jury especially highlights that despite limited editorial resources, strong political and economic pressures, and the fast pace of daily news, investigative journalism in the country continues to produce relevant, courageous, and socially significant content.

The jury expressed appreciation to all journalists and editorial teams in the country, especially local correspondents from Kocani, Stip, and surrounding areas, who professionally and ethically inform citizens and raise public awareness, demanding accountability from institutions for the causes and circumstances of the Kocani tragedy. Their contribution is particularly valuable given the extremely difficult, sensitive, and emotionally charged conditions under which they worked, maintaining professionalism, ethics, and public responsibility.

The Best Investigative Story awards have been traditionally awarded by MIM since 2001, and since 2013, the award bears the name of esteemed journalist Nikola Mladenov.

The full jury commission report, detailing the evaluated aspects of the awarded stories, is available for download below.

The research “The Future of the Media in North Macedonia – Considerations of Key Actors” analyzes the perceptions of citizens and media professionals regarding journalism, the media industry, media usage and trust, the demands of citizens from the media and their needs, as well as the state of democracy in the country. The findings show that citizens have low trust in the media because they perceive them as dependent on political centers of power, and information anxiety is rising due to a sensationalist approach and misinformation.

The conclusions indicate that the future of the media will be shaped by technological and digital innovations, but journalists remain key to ensuring authenticity, credibility, and the verification of content.

The research “The Future of the Media in North Macedonia – Considerations of Key Actors” analyzes the perceptions of citizens and media professionals regarding journalism, the media industry, media usage and trust, the demands of citizens from the media and their needs, as well as the state of democracy in the country. The findings show that citizens have low trust in the media because they perceive them as dependent on political centers of power, and information anxiety is rising due to a sensationalist approach and misinformation.

The conclusions indicate that the future of the media will be shaped by technological and digital innovations, but journalists remain key to ensuring authenticity, credibility, and the verification of content.

By: Minel Abaz

These issues were in focus at the panel “Future of Journalism in the Western Balkans and Turkey – What Future?”, held as part of the international conference Our Media, organized by the South East European Network for Professionalization of Media (SEENPM) and Mediacentar Sarajevo.

The panel gathered experts from various countries and fields, from journalism unions to academia. Among the participants were Remzi Lani (Albania), Sinem Aydinli (Turkey), Žaneta Trajkoska (North Macedonia), Helena Milinković (Slovenia) and Lejla Turčilo (Bosnia and Herzegovina). Their shared conclusion was clear: the media have found themselves in a counter-revolution where noise, not argument, is the main weapon.

Political Pressure and the Collapse of Freedom: Turkey as a Paradigm

The media situation in Turkey served as a dramatic introduction to what, in a milder form, is spreading across the region: a systemic suppression of freedom of expression through economic, legal, and digital means.

Media researcher Sinem Aydinli stated that journalism in Turkey is “under siege by powerful political and economic pressures,” with the profession’s economic sustainability weakened and public trust in the media declining year after year.

Aydinli provided numerous examples illustrating the repression. Journalists are often prosecuted on charges of “terrorist propaganda” or “membership in terrorist organizations,” and legal tools such as Article 301, which criminalizes “publicly insulting the Turkish nation and the Republic of Turkey,” are often used. Even laws on public gatherings and demonstrations are increasingly applied against journalists. An illustrative example is the case when, following the arrest of Istanbul’s mayor, journalists, particularly photojournalists, who documented police violence were detained.

Beyond direct pressure, digital control poses another serious issue. Aydinli noted that Google’s algorithms promote pro-government media in 89% of cases, drastically reducing the visibility of independent outlets. Regulatory bodies such as RTÜK (Radio and Television Supreme Council) selectively penalize independent media, while the public broadcaster TRT “simply amplifies the official government line.”

The result is an ethical collapse. Aydinli quoted independent ombudsman Faruk Bildirici, who referred to the case of the murder of an eight-year-old girl. The media at the time “raced to publish sensationalist and unverified claims,” which led the public to believe that “the entire family was guilty.” That shows how the media in Turkey, in pursuit of ratings, “abandoned ethics and verification.”

Economic Paralysis and the Silent Departure of Youth

The economic model of journalism in the Western Balkans shows the same symptoms, but with a particular focus on the poverty of the profession and the exodus of young people.

Lejla Turčilo, a professor at the Faculty of Political Science at the University of Sarajevo, speaking about the future of journalism and education, revealed that students entering the program ask two key questions: “Will journalism survive by the time we graduate?” and “What’s in it for me?”

Turčilo pointed to alarming figures for Bosnia and Herzegovina: net salaries for journalists range from 600 BAM (€305) to 1,700 BAM (€865). The lowest salary covers only 25 percent of the consumer basket, while the highest reaches just 57 percent.

“All those issues I mentioned theoretically – political pressures, the economic situation, poor working conditions, in Bosnia and Herzegovina they’re multiplied by ten,” Turčilo summarized.

Low incomes, combined with the high risks of the profession and poor working conditions, make journalism a “poor profession” that offers no prospects for young people. Research in Turkey has shown a similar trend, where students avoid journalism because it is “criminalized, too risky, and too poorly paid.” In that context, Turčilo warned that generations of journalists who remember the “Before Google (BG) times” are “trying to fit new things into old boxes,” while younger audiences live in entirely new digital conditions, following bloggers, influencers, and podcasts.

“The Sleeping Beauty” and the Revolutionary Imperative

As the economy collapses and political pressure grows, the media in the region remain passive, waiting, in the words of Zaneta Trajkoska from North Macedonia, to be “corrupted and clientelized.”

Trajkoska, who works as a director, science advisor, and professor at the Institute of Communication Studies in Skopje, described the media scene in North Macedonia with a striking analogy: “The media situation […] is like in a dream – ‘a sleeping beauty.’ They are just waiting.”

Such passivity has direct consequences: the media have surrendered their role in shaping the public agenda to political parties, which today “have their own editorial offices inside, their own social media, podcasts.” Political actors have “completely bypassed journalists” and taken over their role in society. Because of this, Trajkoska called for a radical turnaround.

“I think the future of journalism could survive in some form as we know it today if we do a little bit more – not an evolutionary, but a revolutionary approach.”

The key to that revolution, Trajkoska argues, lies in breaking out of the “bubbles” in which academia, civil society, and the media have long operated. She calls for urgent networking: “We need to connect – without money, without donors.”

Resistance and Learning from the Public: A Lesson from Slovenia

In the fight against the political takeover of public media, the experience of Helena Milinković from RTV Slovenia offers a rare example of successful, two-year union resistance.

After Janez Janša’s government, following Orbán’s example, attempted to take over the public broadcaster in 2020, journalists and media workers “did not sleep.”

The central idea was that journalists must stop fighting alone and mobilize a broader network, including lawyers, academia, and civil society, because “no one can survive alone.” Milinković warned that “the danger is growing” and that journalists have no choice but to work amid “increasing harassment, intimidation, surveillance, and threats to their lives and livelihoods.” The key message of the union resistance was: do not underestimate the public.

“We always think we are the smartest. No, they know a lot. Don’t just talk about your problem – find their problem within your problem so they can identify with it.” The strategy paid off: in the referendum in Slovenia, 70 percent of people voted in favor of the RTV Slovenia Act – a result achieved by going beyond the capital and listening to the citizens. Their tactic of resistance was: “We are like mushrooms. We are everywhere. And when they try to silence us, we grow somewhere else. They cannot silence us all at once.”

The Struggle for a Young Audience and a New Humanism

The last line of defense for journalism lies in its ability to adapt to an audience whose attention span is shrinking to a minimum.

Helena Milinković pointed out that the attention span among young people has drastically decreased. “When I was a student, the attention span was around ten seconds. Now it’s about one and a half seconds.” This change requires a rethink of media formats, because if the media continue in the “old-fashioned way,” journalism will become “just another propaganda machine in the future.”

In his closing remarks, Remzi Lani, director of the Albanian Media Institute, offered a broader, philosophical analysis of the regional crisis, concluding that the Western Balkan media landscape is “stuck in transition” and that we are currently facing a “counterrevolution.”

Lani contextualized the current conflict as one between “New Humanism versus Old Humanism.” The Old Humanism, from Descartes to the Enlightenment, sought to free humankind from theology. “The New Humanism faces the challenge of the individual human being versus technology.”

This means that the struggle of journalism is no longer only against politicians and tycoons, but also against the “unpredictability” of algorithms, censorship, and technology that is reshaping human attention itself.

In the context of the Future of Media in the Western Balkans and Turkey study, conducted by the SEENPM, which highlights the lack of sustainable business models and the dangerous ties between the media and those in power, the panel’s conclusions emerge as a clear call to action.

^{Co-funded by the European Union}

The regional program “Our Media: A civil society action to generate media literacy and activism, counter polarisation and promote dialogue” is implemented with the financial support of the European Union by partner organizations SEENPM, Albanian Media Institute, Mediacentar Sarajevo, Press Council of Kosovo, Montenegrin Media Institute, Macedonian Institute for Media, Novi Sad School of Journalism, Peace Institute and Bianet.

This article was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of Macedonian Institute for Media and SEENPM and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

Journalists, editors, and media experts discussed key aspects of professional reporting in the context of elections, while representatives of the Council of Media Ethics—Biljana Georgievska, Mirche Adamchevski, and Tamara Chausidis—presented decisions of the SEMM Complaints Commission to highlight the most common violations of the Code relevant during the pre-election period.

Participants agreed that ethics and professionalism in the work of media and journalists are always important—in every report, every news item, and every investigative story. However, media reporting during election periods carries particular weight, as it directly affects the quality of information citizens receive about electoral options, and thus the final outcome of the election process. Failures to publish accurate and verified information, sensationalism, mixing facts with opinions, spreading hate speech, and misuse of corrections and denials were highlighted as the most frequent violations—not only during elections but also in the regular work of the media.

A large portion of the media today survives on political funding, according to Tamara Chausidis.

“Paid advertising and mandatory election reports fill the news blocks to such an extent that there is hardly any room left for ‘ordinary’ topics. And even when they do appear, they are often colored by the logic of the campaign. Thus, journalism lives in a constant conflict between professional ideals and economic reality, struggling to maintain professional distance—not because it doesn’t know how, but because there is increasingly less space for it. Favoritism, mechanical transmission, and reshaping of facts—or manipulation—are the three most common violations of professional ethics during election times. When it comes to favoritism, the problem is not just propaganda, but the loss of shame about it. Neutrality is no longer even simulated. Party materials are published as news, spokespersons are presented as journalists, and closeness to politicians is an open secret,” Chausidis emphasized.

Through dynamic discussions, participants shared thoughts on further strengthening media self-regulation, the need to align domestic legislation with European standards, and the importance of continuous education to promote responsible journalism and increase public trust in the media.

^{Co-funded by the European Union}

The regional program “Our Media: A civil society action to generate media literacy and activism, counter polarisation and promote dialogue” is implemented with the financial support of the European Union by partner organizations SEENPM, Albanian Media Institute, Mediacentar Sarajevo, Press Council of Kosovo, Montenegrin Media Institute, Macedonian Institute for Media, Novi Sad School of Journalism, Peace Institute and Bianet.

This article was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of Macedonian Institute for Media and SEENPM and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

I recently directed a SEENPM research on the Future of Media in the Western Balkans and Turkey as well as the Slovenian part of the European research project on media and democracy, MeDeMAP. The projects gave me insights confirming that media freedom and freedom of expression remain deeply contested, fragile, and under pressure, not only in so-called “fragile democracies” but increasingly everywhere.

What we are seeing is not just pressure on journalism, but a structural erosion of the conditions that make freedom of expression possible. The danger is not just suppression; it is substitution. Illiberal regimes no longer censor. They flood the public space with noise, hate narratives, organised lying, co-opted journalism, and fake pluralism. 

One striking insight from the research on the future of the media in the Western Balkans and Turkey is the paradoxical growth of the number of media outlets set against a sharp decline in the number of journalism students and the overall shrinking of the journalistic profession. This mismatch suggests a media landscape growing in volume but not in quality or sustainability, often characterised by political and economic capture. In parallel, MeDeMAP’s citizen engagement research highlights widespread feelings of disconnection and distrust in the media, reflecting a global crisis of democratic legitimacy.

Are we losing the battle?

I would say, though, the battle is far from lost, but it is certainly precarious. We see evidence of deep erosion: shrinking spaces for free expression and media freedom; increasing polarisation; spread of disinformation; economic precarity and growing attacks on journalists (including Israel’s targeted strikes on newsrooms in Gaza and Yemen in recent months). Yet, we also see signs of resilience: active citizens, grassroots movements, and pockets of independent journalism striving to maintain democratic dialogue. (For example, later this month, more than 40 independent newsrooms from 20 European countries will gather in Prague for a Media Innovation Summit organised by Transitions.) The student uprising in Serbia and deliberations at citizens’ parliaments across MeDeMAP’s EU countries underscore that the demand for media freedom and democracy remains very much alive.

Democracy backsliding

The situation in the US and other “established” democracies has a profound influence worldwide. The weakening of norms around media freedom in old democracies emboldens authoritarian tactics elsewhere, with governments increasingly weaponizing media markets through, among other things, ownership concentration and political interference. The Western Balkans and Turkey are particularly vulnerable to this “democracy backsliding,” which is complicated further by the withdrawal of critical foreign donors and the closure of outlets like Al Jazeera Balkans, developments with devastating ripple effects on independent media’s viability and journalists’ jobs. We should reflect and learn from this situation to develop models for building and sustaining independent media infrastructure not entirely dependent on foreign aid, but more rooted in engaging relations with own communities and citizens.

Europe’s role?

Europe must lead the effort for reclaiming democratic media systems. But it is important to resist viewing Europe or any other region as a flawless model. Challenges exist everywhere, and democratic media ecosystems are global public goods that require shared responsibility and mutual learning. European institutions have legal frameworks, tools, and obligations to support media pluralism, strengthen the independence of public service media, as well as regulate the big tech platforms, but these must be coupled with deep engagement with local contexts and genuine partnerships that support and amplify local democratic voices across Europe and in other regions.

Points of resilience

Who safeguards democracy today? The list isn’t short: independent institutions guarding the rule of law; journalists risking their own security and careers; civil society activists mobilising awareness; educators; independent media platforms and innovators; and increasingly, citizens themselves— through deliberative forums, protest movements, and demand for transparency. Our MeDeMAP research shows that citizen participation can rebuild trust and accountability, but it requires inclusive and ongoing engagement from the media and journalists.

Holding the line for media freedom takes a shared effort. What we urgently need are joined-up strategies to rebuild trust, to invest in media literacy and public interest media, to defend editorial independence, and above all, to create spaces where citizens are not just media consumers, but co-creators of a democratic culture. Holding the line means making it broader, more inclusive, and resilient.

Brankica Petković is a researcher with the Peace Institute, a SEENPM member. She has devised and coordinated a number of SEENPM media research projects in the past two decades. The article is an edited version of the contribution the author made at the Our Media conference held in Sarajevo on 2 and 3 October. 

^{Co-funded by the European Union}

The regional program “Our Media: A civil society action to generate media literacy and activism, counter polarisation and promote dialogue” is implemented with the financial support of the European Union by partner organizations SEENPM, Albanian Media Institute, Mediacentar Sarajevo, Press Council of Kosovo, Montenegrin Media Institute, Macedonian Institute for Media, Novi Sad School of Journalism, Peace Institute and Bianet.

This article was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of Macedonian Institute for Media and SEENPM and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

Freedom of expression, the future of journalism in the Western Balkans and Turkey, ethical dilemmas related to the use of social media for civil society purposes, and the improvement of cooperation between journalists, activists, and citizens were among the topics discussed at the international conference “Our Media,” which was attended by representatives of MIM and held at the Faculty of Political Sciences in Sarajevo.

The two-day conference brought together more than 70 media professionals and representatives of civil society organizations dedicated to media freedom. The event was organized by the South East European Network for Professionalization of Media (SEENPM) and Mediacentar Sarajevo.

The conference is a continuation of a regional project of the same name, launched in 2023, which includes research on the future of media and journalism trends, as well as discussions on other important issues such as the sustainability of independent media, pressures on freedom of expression, and local media activism by citizens in the Western Balkans and Turkey.

The world in 2023, when the partner organizations launched the project “Our Media,” was a different place than it is today, said Maida Muminović, Executive Director of the Mediacentar Sarajevo Foundation. Civil society organizations working to protect freedom of expression, as well as independent media, are going through a period of increasing pressure and uncertainty.

“At the conference, we decided to focus on global issues that affect our region, as well as pressing matters in the Western Balkans, and on global developments that raise concerns about the future of human rights around the world,” said Muminović.

During the conference, the results of a regional study on the future of media and the impact of professional journalism on the democratization of society were also presented. The findings showed that journalists in the region continue to face pressure and threats, receive low salaries, and that women working in the media rarely reach leadership positions. Interest among young people in studying communication is steadily declining, while on the other hand, the number of media outlets continues to grow year by year.

“Media trends are almost the same across the region and generally point to the strong pressure faced by media outlets, especially independent and smaller local ones. We are facing an uncertain future, which makes it even more important for civil society organizations to connect. That is why we are pleased that we managed to make this event regional and, to some extent, international,” said Tihomir Loza, Director of SEENPM, a network of 18 media organizations from Southeast Europe.

In addition to the social and economic challenges journalists are currently facing, not only in the region but around the world, such as censorship and biased reporting on Gaza, the shutdown of media outlets, and the reduction of funds for independent media, the conference also addressed the impact of new technologies.

Long-time SEENPM collaborator and media expert from Belgrade, Snježana Milivojević, in her presentation, addressed the issue of technology, describing it as the greatest challenge for the media, journalism, and the public interest within the information ecosystem.

“I like to say that, as critical theorists always remind us, technology does not change the world when it first appears, but when everyone starts using it. We have grown accustomed to it, and it has become part of our everyday lives,” said Milivojević.

The project “Our Media” is funded by the European Union, with additional support for the conference provided by the Open Society Foundations Western Balkans. By the end of the project, research on the future of media will continue, and the existing online learning platform on media literacy will be expanded. In addition, young leaders and media activists from the region will take part in study visits across Europe to further develop their skills and apply them within their local communities.

^{Co-funded by the European Union}

The regional program “Our Media: A civil society action to generate media literacy and activism, counter polarisation and promote dialogue” is implemented with the financial support of the European Union by partner organizations SEENPM, Albanian Media Institute, Mediacentar Sarajevo, Press Council of Kosovo, Montenegrin Media Institute, Macedonian Institute for Media, Novi Sad School of Journalism, Peace Institute and Bianet.

This article was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of Macedonian Institute for Media and SEENPM and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

Particular focus in the project was given to creating an original dramatic text with an educational character, which was adapted for the stage through several theater performances, as well as to producing journalistic content and short video reports intended for the general public.

“Working on the project My Medium – My Story is a new challenge for me. It is the first time I have worked on creating and implementing video workshops for elementary school students from small local environments – places without theaters, cinemas, or much cultural and artistic content. For me, this has been the most wonderful experience so far and a true discovery,” says Marija Dzidzeva, the director who worked with the project participants. She adds that the participants work with great desire and energy and are open to new knowledge. “Their ideas and thoughts are brave and innovative, yet also emotional and, in a way, interwoven with magical realism. We need to encourage and motivate them to bring their ideas to life in short video forms, because they have something to say, they have their own messages from which we can all learn about their worldview.”

Jovan Grozdanov, one of the student participants focused his reflections on how the project helped him deepen his knowledge of creating journalistic texts, which proved enormously beneficial as a young journalist at Gevgelija Radio. This experience strengthened his desire to pursue journalism as his future career.

The project opened new horizons for media literacy in small rural areas. The change is visible, and the launch of mini-editorials in certain settlements was welcomed by local residents. Sharing information about their activities and everyday life also helps ensure the project’s continuation in the future.

The project is funded through the Our Media sub-granting scheme, which has provided support to 21 local projects across the Western Balkans.

^{Co-funded by the European Union}

The regional program “Our Media: A civil society action to generate media literacy and activism, counter polarisation and promote dialogue” is implemented with the financial support of the European Union by partner organizations SEENPM, Albanian Media Institute, Mediacentar Sarajevo, Press Council of Kosovo, Montenegrin Media Institute, Macedonian Institute for Media, Novi Sad School of Journalism, Peace Institute and Bianet.

This article was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of Macedonian Institute for Media and SEENPM and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

Her research work involves analyzing the state of affairs in the media sphere, providing evidence-based arguments, and advocating for accountability, change, and informed public awareness. Vesna emphasizes that research should focus not on personal interest but on what is important, true, and fair. Vesna is the author of numerous publications, including those for SEENPM funded by the EU, on the future of media in North Macedonia, Deprived Media Market, Low Ethical Standards, Need for Effective Legislation and on media self-regulation, Imperative of Boosting Capacities and Reinforcing Effectiveness.

Interview by: Anida Sokol

What results would you highlight from recent research on the future of the media in North Macedonia?

The media market in Macedonia is too small to ensure the financial sustainability of all media outlets operating in the country. There are many media, especially with the rapid emergence of online outlets. They all compete for advertising revenue, but also for budget funds that are allocated by the state during election periods. In such circumstances, only large national commercial televisions generate significant revenues, while regional and local broadcasters, non-profit media, and newspapers are mainly economically unstable. In Macedonia, this results in so-called ‘media deserts,’ meaning that there are regions throughout the country where no local or regional media outlets exist, and where local journalism – the voice of the community -is dying out. The weak media market directly affects pluralism, prevents the development of news outlets and the quality of journalistic products, and thus limits the reach of information to citizens.

Another major problem in the media sphere in Macedonia that I would like to highlight is the increase in budget funds entering media operations on the basis of political advertising during elections and state campaigns. This is not only my personal opinion, but represents an issue that the media community has been warning about for years, as it could threaten the independence of media and enhance media clientelism. For several years now, the media community has been proposing the establishment of a separate fund to support media pluralism, through which projects of public interest would be financed, as is the case in several countries in the region. This initiative was ignored by the ruling structures, and instead political parties voted for the controversial legal provision that once again allows for state advertising. Such a provision was already abolished once in 2017.

Lastly, the third problem that I would like to highlight is the low democratic capacity of the country. The greatest wound of society is the existence of systemic corruption, which is present in all spheres of society and reduces trust in institutions, including the media. This also affects the work of journalists and the production of quality content of public interest. Citizens suffer the greatest harm because, as a consequence, they cannot make informed choices – not only political, but also with regard to the everyday problems they face.

What issues do you face while conducting research?

Researchers face difficulties of various kinds. Sometimes it is not easy to obtain precise data. For example, if we consider advertising revenue in online media or the number of journalists who have lost their jobs over the past five to ten years, there are either no sources that monitor certain trends continuously or there are no precise figures. In such cases, we as researchers are forced to compare data and make estimates based on the available information in order to reach some kind of assessment. There have been cases in the past where certain institutions were not transparent enough, were non-responsive to our requests, did not have the specific data we requested, or the data was not easily accessible online. That said, I must mention that in recent years the openness to cooperation with some institutions – at least those that operate in our field of activity – has been gradually improving. However, in my opinion, the biggest problem is that our findings, reactions, and recommendations are not always considered or validated by decision-makers and are not always implemented in practice. Sometimes, that is the only way to achieve positive change in our field of work, as well as in society as a whole.

How would you explain the importance of media research?

Media research provides the information needed for the media to understand what kind of content citizens want, and for institutions to be able to create sensible and efficient policies that will then be consistently implemented. Media research helps us identify in what ways the media influence the audience, and it assists us in keeping up with trends and attempting to predict where and how the media sphere will develop in the future. These are just a few reasons why media research is important. Finally, it is essential to understand that research provides facts and arguments to all professionals operating in this field so that they can advocate for positive changes in society.

Do people understand what media research is and value it?

We investigate aspects related to the state of journalism, the functioning of the media, regulations, media use, and media content – areas that, at first glance, might seem purely professional in nature. However, beyond their relevance to media professionals and institutions, the results of our work have a direct and immediate impact on citizens, since journalism and the media ultimately work for the benefit of citizens. It is important that we manage to present our work to the wider public in a simple and comprehensible manner, encouraging both interest and engagement from citizens. It is therefore crucial to present our work to the wider public in a simple and understandable manner. In essence, whether we analyze legal frameworks or conduct research on public opinion regarding media issues, our findings focus on the effects these laws or practices will have on citizens, and on what journalists and media outlets should do to produce content that meets the needs and expectations of the public. When such a two-way connection is established and when citizens understand why a certain research is important for them, only then can they value the work of researchers. I believe it is easier to build a solid relationship between researchers and the public through applied research and the way we present our findings – whether through illustrative presentations, small campaigns to raise public awareness, or informative and analytical texts. By applying this approach, research becomes accessible, we reach a wider audience, and our work can have a greater impact.

What would you identify as the most pressing issues currently facing the media in North Macedonia?

The financial issues the media are facing are a chronic problem in the media sphere, reflected in the limited capacities of news outlets, the quality of developed content, the diversity of program offerings, and the operations of local and regional media, among others. The public service also exists in a financially unenviable environment, which does not support its long-term stability and independence, and slows down its transformation into a modern and professional public service that can offer rich and quality content to all segments of the audience. For years, we have been noting that political and business centers of power have a strong influence on the media, which threatens their independence. Political influences are still present today, as is evident in the delegation and election of certain members of the governing bodies of the media regulator and the public service. I believe that such positions require people with professional integrity, know-how in the relevant sphere, expertise, and the capacity for rightful decision-making on the development of such a complex sphere as the media.

Recently, amendments were made to the Law on Media, which introduced online media into the legal definition of media. This legal solution also provides for the registration of online media with the media regulator, which is expected to bring some order to the currently chaotic online space. A certain period of time needs to pass before its effectiveness can be assessed. However, adherence to ethical and professional standards in online media is of essential importance. In fact, such standards should be constantly and continuously improved in all media, since the integrity of journalism is of great value, and it is important to increase the trust of citizens in the media and journalism. This is only possible if the media operate in a professional manner and represent the interests of citizens.

How do you see the future of the media in North Macedonia?

I think that at this moment no one would be able to give a precise answer to this question, since we live in a time of rapid technological and informational changes that will affect both journalism and the work of the media as such. Technology is changing, the audience is evolving, and young people have different information habits, seeking new platforms and formats. I believe that the media should keep up with these trends and integrate them as quickly as possible into their work. Media should track audience movements across platforms, see where their audience is, what they are interested in, what they want to watch or read, and in what format. They should perhaps consider opening new platforms and new formats intended for different audiences, decide to leave behind some old-fashioned program concepts, and offer better production and higher quality. They should also train and professionally empower their journalists so that they can integrate new technological tools into their daily work. In my opinion, in this day and age, when the audience has free access to an overwhelming amount of information from various sources, it is very important for the media to educate their audiences on how to recognize and choose professional and high-quality content. Media can only educate the audience by first listening to their sentiments and understanding what they want, so that they can offer relevant content and programs accordingly.

Download the research on the future of the media in North Macedonia here.

^{Co-funded by the European Union}

The regional program “Our Media: A civil society action to generate media literacy and activism, counter polarisation and promote dialogue” is implemented with the financial support of the European Union by partner organizations SEENPM, Albanian Media Institute, Mediacentar Sarajevo, Press Council of Kosovo, Montenegrin Media Institute, Macedonian Institute for Media, Novi Sad School of Journalism, Peace Institute and Bianet.

This article was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of Macedonian Institute for Media and SEENPM and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

Over 300 young people from Pelagonia strengthened their knowledge in the field of media literacy, after attending workshops, trainings and a mentoring program conducted by professional journalists and IT expert. As part of the “Youth Media Lab” project, a Media Literacy Video Course was also created. The course is available on the educational platform Medialab.mk, which was developed within the same project. The platform also includes a test module that allows participants to check their knowledge after completing the course.

With the support of mentors, some young participants applied their newly gained skills to create media content for the Blog for Young Journalists on the Medialab.mk platform, where their articles and radio podcasts produced during the project are published.

“The workshops on interviewing and recording podcasts attracted the most attention among young people in the Pelagonia region. Through the trainings, young people learned to pay close attention to the accuracy and truthfulness of the news, after which, as young journalists, they showed that they are responsible creators of media content”, says Aneta Šijakova, president of Civic Tracks Association.

The young participants point out that this is a valuable experience for them.

“Such trainings and practical work in the world of journalism are important for young people, because we learn how to defend ourselves from disinformation, but we also learn to responsibly create media content”, said Pavel Nikoloski from Prilep, a young participant.

“After the media literacy trainings within the project, I started to check the information I receive every day. I learned how to recognize whether the photographs are real or not”, adds Marta Kuzmanoska from Kruševo.

The project was carried out together with the civic organizations ICT World, Journalist, From Youth to Youth, Youth Civic Action, and Eco Guerrilla Prespa. With their support, 12 youth workshops were organized in Bitola, Novaci, Mogila, Krusevo, and Resen.

The project is funded through the Our Media sub-granting scheme, which has provided support to 21 local projects across the Western Balkans.

^{Co-funded by the European Union}

The regional program “Our Media: A civil society action to generate media literacy and activism, counter polarisation and promote dialogue” is implemented with the financial support of the European Union by partner organizations SEENPM, Albanian Media Institute, Mediacentar Sarajevo, Press Council of Kosovo, Montenegrin Media Institute, Macedonian Institute for Media, Novi Sad School of Journalism, Peace Institute and Bianet.

This article was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of Macedonian Institute for Media and SEENPM and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

This approach is based on successful global practices, from the USA to Finland, where podcasts are used as innovative tools to engage students and expand their knowledge. Research shows that this method of learning increases motivation, especially among students who learn best through listening, practical application, and teamwork.

Members of the media club at Primary School “Ilinden” in Kriva Palanka – Mihail, Sara, Božica, Luka, Davor, and Mihaela – prepare their mobile phones as they head to school. They check if the batteries are charged and if there is enough storage space for recording and taking photos. Unlike many of their peers who use phones mainly for games and social media, for these students, the mobile phone is a tool for recording and producing the school podcast – the new classroom in their school.

Thanks to the actively functioning media club within the school, students have started recording and producing their own school podcast. This is not just another extracurricular activity, but a true small media lab where children learn, create, and communicate in a way that is close to them and in step with modern technologies.

“The goal of these podcasts is for students to actively discuss topics related to school life, the curriculum they are studying, as well as current events and activities happening within the school,” says Dobri Jovevski, teacher and mentor of the media club.

He explains that the podcast as a medium allows students to speak out and talk about topics that concern them, share experiences from school life, discuss educational content, organize interviews with teachers and classmates, and convey the atmosphere of events happening at school. In preparing each episode, students research, write scripts, record, edit, and publish – going through all the stages of producing a modern media product.

When you see how the children prepare for a new episode, it becomes clear that behind the microphone are not just voices, but a learning process. The podcast has become an innovative educational tool that connects traditional knowledge with new media. Children acquire and strengthen skills such as public speaking, creative writing, teamwork, digital literacy, and critical thinking.

“This activity represents a modern way of learning, an interactive approach that enables students to develop a range of important skills: from public speaking and language expression to multimedia editing, digital literacy, and critical thinking,” adds Jovevski.

He says that the students themselves participate in the entire process – from the idea, script preparation, and recording, to editing and final presentation of the podcast to the wider public.

“This approach relies on concepts already applied in education around the world, from the USA to Finland, where the podcast becomes a means of engaging students and broadening horizons. Research confirms that this way of working positively affects motivation for learning, especially among students who better absorb knowledge through listening, practical work, and collaboration,” emphasizes the teacher.

According to him, this method of learning offers students the opportunity not only to create content but also to learn how to use media responsibly and creatively.

The media club at “Ilinden” school operates with support from the Macedonian Institute for Media, which provides professional and mentoring support for teachers and students. The goal is not just technical production of episodes, but the creation of a culture of media literacy from an early age – a culture of responsible and conscious use of media as a means of learning, expression, and participation in the community.

“The activities of the media club are carried out in cooperation with the Macedonian Institute for Media, which provides us with professional support, training, and guidance. Our joint goal is to create educational media products that contribute to improving the educational process and strengthening students’ media literacy,” says Jovevski.

In each new episode, you can feel the creativity, curiosity, and enthusiasm of a generation growing up with media but learning how to use it responsibly and wisely.

“Students enthusiastically and curiously embrace these challenges. Each new episode is an opportunity for creativity, collaboration, and learning through practical activities. What is especially important is that students do this with passion, enthusiasm, and a sense of personal responsibility for the content they create,” concludes Jovevski.

Author: Aleksandar Manasiev