In Serbia, investigative journalists have been increasingly subjected to harassment, intimidation, and violence by authorities and progovernment groups. They have faced physical attacks, smear campaigns, and punitive tax inspections. (Freedom House Report on Serbia, 2022)  

Taking all into account, it is necessary to empower journalists to continue doing investigative work, to improve the quality of their reporting, but also to strengthen the overall environment for exercising freedom of expression.

In addition of having an opportunity to represent various perspectives and their generation’s needs, young journalists are contributing to the diversity of media landscape and enabling a better understanding of interests of the young audience. This ensures inclusivity and participation in the democratic process.

Participants of the “Academy of Journalism“ 2023 (PHOTO: Belgrade Open School)

Considering the vital importance of media freedom and indpendence in the democratization process, Belgrade Open School (BOS) within the project “Media and Youth for Democratic Development (MAY4DD)“ launched the “Academy of Journalism“, which has successfully implemented for the second year in a row.  

Tamara Todorovic and Djordje Jokic, first – placed participants (PHOTO: Belgrade Open School)

Djordje Jokic’s text “Vredi li plakati za prosutim mlekom?“ (published in “NIN“, 25th May, page 28) written within the mentorship of Milan Culibrk and Tamara Todorovic’s investigative story ,,Kiparski papiri i niška posla“ within the mentoring support of Dragana Peco.

Additionally, six most successful participants who wrote best media reports within their mentorship were awarded prizes at the final meeting in Ub from 17 – 19th May. During the three – day event participants had the opportunity to collaborate with Rade Djuric (legal adviser at IJAS) and Jelena Zoric, journalist at BIRN and Vreme weekly magazine who discussed about  safety and challenges in investigative journalism. At the end, session “Media: yesterday, today, tomorrow“ at the final event was held by Dragoljub Draza Petrovic, Editor – in – Chief of the Danas daily.

Jelena Zoric, journalist at BIRN and Vreme weekly magazine (PHOTO: Belgrade Open School)

Academy of Journalism is an education programme which has the aim and intention to improve the practical reporting skills of young journalists, introduce new techniques into their work and encourage mutual networking and cooperation. This programme will continue to raise the capacity of young journalists in the field of quality assurance and standards in investigative journalism, media literacy and critical thinking, which are the basis of democratic society.


Source and cover photo: Belgrade Open School (BOS)