The content disseminated by domestic media frequently fail to respond to the needs and interests of youth, and when they report on youth, negative perspective is predominantly adopted. This is also shown by the latest report of the National Youth Council of Serbia Youth in the media mirror 2022. This research emphasizes that the most of the of content related to young people revolves around the subject of their safety, primarily focusing on criminal activities and wrongdoings. Unfortunately, positive – context reporting regarding the well-being of young people is rarely published. 

On the other hand, the media and media workers in Serbia are in a very unfavourable position. According to the results of the report Reporters without Borders in 2022, Serbia has ranked lowest by the World Press Freedom Index among the countries of the EU and Balkans. Investigative journalists are facing daily pressure, blackmailing, attacks and threats (according to the Freedom House report for the past year). Judicial system, also according to the above- mentioned report, remains silent in such cases. 

In order to reduce the gap between the media, especially in local communities and young people included, the programme Media and Youth for Democratic Development (MAY4DD) has been implemented for the second year, actively maintaining to promote democratic values, the rule of law in partnerships and human rights, especially in their local communities. The main goal is to jointly contribute to the strengthening of democracy, improves the values of the rule of law and human rights in our country, through the reporting of independent media and the activism of CSOs for youth.  

Partners' final meeting (PHOTO: Belgrade Open School)