Before taking part in the Western Balkans Media for Change programme, TV MITROVICA was a participant in the UK-funded Media for All programme, which also provided support to media professionals across the Western Balkans. Being a part of that programme was an incredible experience for us. We observed significant professional development in our staff as a result of many training opportunities. We also developed a different method of reporting by applying the ECR tool, which allowed us to engage citizens in our reports, listen to their needs and address them.
The impact of this entire experience motivated us to apply for the Western Balkans Media for Change grant with our new initiative. We are now going through another very important phase of our professional development, focusing on different vulnerable groups in our society, especially women and girls. We are committed to promoting their achievements and to reporting on various challenges they face, including women from the Roma and Egyptian communities and those with disabilities. Having the opportunity to investigate and share their stories, to be a platform for the voices that are often unheard, makes us happy and motivates us to continue this work.
This grant has been useful not only in advancing our professional journalism, but also in strengthening our connection with our audience. Moreover, it has contributed significantly to our financial stability, which is essential for independent media. With this support, we have also started a series of podcasts, a format we hadn’t used before, but we believe that the podcast will be an effective tool for promoting women in their careers.
Media play a key role in the development of society and its democracy. The more professional the media are, the better they serve society. Programmes like Western Balkans Media for Change are essential because they not only support the operational needs of independent media but at the same time promote positive social change. In the context of the Western Balkans, such support is necessary and crucial. We should continue to drive positive changes, with the media playing an important role in this effort.
Majlinda Brahimi, journalist, TV MITROVICA