Our project aims to establish a modern, multifunctional Media Center that will serve as a hub for content creation, training, collaboration, and innovation in independent journalism. Based in Slovenia’s underreported Zasavje region, the centre will address a critical gap in local media by empowering new voices, supporting existing journalists, and engaging the public.
The funding will be used to renovate and equip a dedicated space for media production and education, including tech facilities and workstations. We will launch a 3-month mentorship program for young journalists, including hands-on workshops and internship opportunities, with the goal of offering at least one long-term employment.
To raise awareness and build our audience, we will run a comprehensive promotional campaign across digital platforms and at live events. We will host media literacy workshops for schools, citizens, and marginalised groups—focusing on misinformation, journalistic ethics, and the role of AI in modern reporting.
In parallel, we will organise quarterly networking events and professional meet-ups to connect local and regional media professionals. We will also prepare a strategic document and editorial guidelines to support the development of ethical, independent journalism across Slovenia and beyond.
The centre will produce high-quality, community-focused content, including three investigative reports and six multimedia productions created by participants and mentors. We will also deliver workshops for NGOs and local businesses on media relations and storytelling, along with communication toolkits.
Finally, we will develop a sustainability plan and business model for long-term impact, including paid training programs, consulting services, and partnerships with public and private sectors.
This funding is crucial to launching the Media Center. As a small but influential independent outlet, we cannot fund such an ambitious project on our own. The Journalismfund grant will enable us to transform a long-standing idea into a structured, sustainable model that strengthens pluralism, empowers regional journalism, and creates real opportunities for growth and impact.
Goals (expected) of the project
This project aims to strengthen media pluralism, democracy, and inclusive journalism by establishing a regional Media Center that serves as both a creative hub and a space for education, participation, and collaboration.
We will engage young and emerging journalists through a structured mentorship program, hands-on workshops, and internships, empowering them to develop professional skills and contribute to public interest journalism. Simultaneously, we will involve citizens and marginalised communities in the creation of media content, ensuring that diverse perspectives are represented and amplified.
The project will support media literacy through targeted workshops for students, schools, and community groups—equipping the public with tools to critically evaluate information and recognise misinformation. By doing so, we foster a human rights-based approach to journalism, one that promotes truth, accountability, and democratic participation.
We expect to produce and publish diverse, high-quality media content, including investigative reports and multimedia stories focused on underreported regional issues. Regular networking and collaboration among local and regional journalists will also promote ethical standards and knowledge exchange across the media landscape.
Our long-term goal is to build a sustainable model for independent journalism, supported by new revenue streams, such as paid trainings, consulting services, and strategic partnerships. The project’s impact will be measured through participant numbers, content reach, community involvement, and established partnerships.
By prioritising diversity, equity, and inclusion, and offering a platform to underrepresented voices, this project will help create a more resilient, democratic, and community-driven media environment—one that reflects the realities and needs of the region it serves.
