Duration: 15.03.2026 – 14.01.2027
The overall objective of the project is to contribute to enhanced professional capacity of local media to exercise the right to freedom of expression and access to information, and to promote media pluralism at the local level in North Macedonia.
Specific objective is to empower a local media outlet to produce solution based and constructive journalism addressing issues relevant to young people and underserved local communities.
The expected results are increased production of solution-based and constructive local media content addressing issues relevant to young people and local communities; increased participation of young people in local public debate through participatory and interactive Youth Forums; and improved media and information literacy among young audiences, particularly in relation to democratic values as applied to local issues and decision-making processes.
The project activities include the production and publication of regular youth-focused local news content addressing issues relevant to local communities; the development of long reads and in-depth explanatory and solution-based articles focused on local challenges, responsibilities, and possible responses; and the production of multimedia content, including short videos (reels) and infographics, to improve accessibility and audience engagement.
They also include the organisation of three interactive Youth Forums featuring discussions and Q&A sessions on topics of relevance for young people; the inclusion of youth voices and perspectives both as sources and creators of media content; and cooperation with youth civil society organisations in the targeted municipalities.
In addition, the project will develop a monthly podcast on media and information literacy, explaining democratic processes from the perspective of youth priorities, local issues, decision-making processes, and sources of information, as well as promote and disseminate educational media content through digital channels to reach young audiences in underserved communities.
The project MEdIA – Lit is implementing the Centre for Civic Education (CCE/CGO), in partnership with Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in Serbia (HCHRS), Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in North Macedonia (MHC), Tirana Centre for Journalistic Excellence in Albania (TCJE), Atlantic Initiative in Bosnia and Herzegovina (AI). The project is financed by the European Union and cofinanced by the Ministry of Regional and Investment Development and Cooperation with Non-Governmental Organizations of the Government of Montenegro.