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In its latest report, BIRN analysed the practices of Vodafone Albania and ONE Albania in several key areas linked to freedom of expression and privacy.

Since early 2023, Albania has had two operators in the telecommunications market, Vodafone Albania and One Albania. One Albania was created by the merger of ALBtelecom, the historical operator of fixed phone lines, which also operated a mobile operator named Eagle, and One Telecommunications, a company founded in 1995 as Albania Mobile Communication, a state-owned mobile operator.

The merger follows a consolidating trend in the country’s telecommunication market that has continued since 2017, when Plus Communication, the fourth mobile operator in the market, decided to get out.

The market is almost evenly divided, with Vodafone having 51 per cent of active users and One Albania, 49 per cent. Financial data from 2023 were not yet available by the time of publication but data from 2022 showed that Vodafone had revenues of some 16 billion leks while One Communications’ revenues were 9.6 billion. Data from ALBtelecom has not been published.

Overall, Albanians spent 38.1 billion leks on communication services in 2022.

Research found that Vodafone Albania performs satisfactorily in terms of access to its Terms of Service (ToS) and notifying users about changes to the ToS, but room for improvement remains. Access to Vodafone Albania’s ToS is relatively good; the ToS for both prepaid and postpaid mobile services are easily accessible and presented in a clear and understandable manner. Similarly, ONE Albania provides convenient access to its ToS.

However, ONE Albania’s Privacy Policy lacks a clear description of what data the company collects and how it handles it.

Both companies’ broad statements about collaborating with authorities, without distinguishing between administrative and judicial bodies, are a matter of concern.

Vodafone’s and One Albania’s ToS lack summaries and visuals for better legibility. Vodafone notifies users of ToS changes via SMS and media but doesn’t maintain a public archive. Both companies’ ToS enforce overbroad content restrictions and lack transparency on enforcement. They don’t disclose data on content restrictions, government demands or private requests. Privacy policies are available but vague on data handling and third-party information collection.

Recommendations outlined by the report include improving transparency, archiving ToS changes, and clearer privacy policies. The research showed that both companies should consider reporting periodically on the number of cases when public authorities or private parties seek to block access to certain information and why. Companies should also explain to their customers in a more detailed way what access the authorities have to their communications and data, based on what laws, and for what purposes.

Albania has some 611,000 customers with broadband internet access. One Albania is the largest operator with some 135,000 customers, followed by Vodafone with 128,000. Other smaller operators hold 56 per cent of the market.

In 2006, Albanian telecom companies were embroiled in a scandal involving Bosnian businessman Damir Fazlic, who allegedly demanded a $1 million investment for Albania’s Democratic Party to secure a telcos contract. Fazlic and his US partners planned to offer VoIP services through ALBtelecom. In 2017 and 2020, Albanian telcos faced investigations for price manipulation and for creating an oligopoly by raising tariffs and reducing services. In 2020, the Hungarian company 4iG bought significant shares in ALBtelecom and One Telecommunications, raising concerns about market duopolisation.

The increase of disinformation in Bulgaria amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine and recurring ideological clashes in parliament are integral topics to Svetoslav Todorov’s work.

Svetoslav graduated in Bulgarian Philology and Visual Culture from Sofia University’s Faculty of Slavic Studies. He has experience as an art curator and speaker at events organised by the Sofia International Literature Festival, the Rhodope Documentary Film Festival and Romania’s Alternativa Sociale. Let’s find out more about his professional situation.

1. Your original background is in arts and culture writing, and you have also covered topics related to history, education, and human rights. So, how did you become a Bulgaria correspondent for Balkan Insight?

I know some of the previous journalists who have contributed to BIRN from Sofia so I was encouraged to apply for the position. Air pollution, water shortages, gender-based violence and gambling scandals were among the first topics I worked on, right before the pandemic hit.

Being part of BIRN has been a big learning experience about the region, and although all countries have influenced each other culturally in countless ways, there’s always a new layer to explore (I’m yet to fully grasp how elections in Bosnia actually work). It’s a cliche but it’s indeed true how close these countries are geographically, yet how little we know about each other.

As I’m still writing regularly about society, arts and culture for local outlets, I’m essentially leading a double life between my work in Bulgarian and my work in English. Not sure which one is Dr Jekyll and which one is Mr Hyde.

2. You have been working for Balkan Insight since 2020, right before the onset of the pandemic and the beginning of the anti-government protest wave in Bulgaria. Since then, there has been significant turmoil on a global level. How have these events affected the topics you cover?

It was like being thrown in cold water but finding yourself swimming. Bulgaria has been in a non-stopping rollercoaster of turmoil in the last few years, whether that’s a healthcare crisis, a breach of someone’s rights, yet another election, or a short-lived coalition. There’s a general feeling that, as a society, we’re sleepwalking into vague but scary territory and there’s little international attention given to the destructive processes here.

Following these events and finding the right words and context to explain them has brought about a different layer of understanding; you see how certain issues are even more deep-rooted than expected. But the Balkans are a fertile ground for drama, aren’t they?

3. What was the most challenging part of your journalistic career so far?

Through my whole professional path that would be my indecipherable handwriting. During my experience as part of BIRN, translating any quote from a leading local politician automatically makes them sound more intelligent than in the original. It’s a challenge to translate the erosion of public speaking.

4. What Balkan Insight stories did you work on that made you most proud, and why?

The Bulgarian context is hard to explain to foreign readers as, after 2021, when the election spiral here started, there’s been many new figures on the political scene and bubbling movements that come and go, or stay and transform into something bigger. Yesterday’s friends become foes and vice versa in the space of months. The far-right resurgence – with pro-Russia party Revival as a major vehicle for this – has been a particular interest of mine and a curious case for anyone who deals with how disinformation is spread around here.

Also, explaining to an English-language audience how the main Socialist party remains conservative to its core will never stop being entertaining!

Last year, I was traveling by bus to the other end of the town for a club gig and suddenly the bus was stopped at a crossroad because of a protest by locals against the erasure of green spaces by an ambitious developer. I had the eureka feeling that I’d literally stumbled upon a story. This eventually turned into a feature about that neighbourhood’s spirit and endurance. Actually, it was a success story as well, as the protest scared the developer away.

5. Knowing what you know after years of working in journalism, what would you change regarding your journalistic beginnings?

I would be less anxious about reaching out and pitching to international outlets, collaborating with editors and writers from abroad and working on cross-border stories. Amassing experience is, surprisingly, not a linear thing, especially in the current media landscape, where we constantly have to adapt to new ways of storytelling (or resist them, in some cases). If you think about it, you should do it.

6. What one message would you like to send to young journalists?

I recently saw a new adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth by a young troupe of local actors and there was a particular line that stayed with me: “there’s daggers in men’s smiles”.

I think one of the challenges of the profession, and one which I might not have been that aware of early on, is that readers and subjects often might express support because a certain article or an opinion fits their narrative, and they might turn against you when you no longer serve this purpose. One must fight very hard for integrity in a climate that is increasingly user-orientated, algorithmic and fragmented. The bigger picture has turned into a mosaic and young journalists must also protect their vision and their sanity (usually after a decade in, quite literally) so they can pick and arrange the pieces.

So my advice would be: be aware of the daggers.

The programme will:

• Include 8-month accelerator and incubator programmes
• Introduce opportunity to media that need to pilot and validate their business ideas
• Provide intensive cohort and one-on-one immersive training, mentoring and hackathons
• Include grants of up to €20,000 to news organizations

Media Innovation Europe (MIE), a multidisciplinary, multi-project programme that has funded over 50 news organizations in the past two years, is kicking off its second edition.

The programme provides business needs assessments and personalized advisory, grants, training, hackathons and mentorship to media managers journalists working in and building newsrooms that are moving ahead towards a full digital transition. The goal is to empower media outlets to navigate a changing media industry, providing tools and guidance to align their journalistic products, business structures, and means of discovery and distribution in an audience-focused and sustainable way.

MIE will continue its immersive training approach, focusing on networking-building and providing consultancies and guidance to participating newsrooms.

The first edition was launched in June 2022 to energize the European ecosystem for independent and local journalism, stimulating innovation, sustainable business models, and collaboration among media outlets.

Who is behind the programme

Led by the Vienna-based International Press Institute (IPI), the consortium brings together the Thomson Media (TM),  The Fix Foundation (TFF) and the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN).

The programme will continue to be co-funded by the European Union.

The programme

The MIE programme includes several projects that will leverage the strengths of its partners to mobilize networks, manage granting and mentoring programs, and support media innovation. MIE is a response to the challenging environment media operate in, including growing hostility to media freedom, lack of trust in journalism as well as the disruption of media by the digital transformation and economic threats. Each partner brings a deep understanding of the needs and challenges facing European media today, alongside proven strategies to respond and invest in developing successful independent news products. .

Participants of all the programmes will be selected by independent juries.

Here is a list of the projects MIE will continue:

Project	Description	Run by
Transition Accelerator	* 18 established news organizations * 8-month innovation accelerator with training, advisory, coaching and solutions development * grants of up to €20,000 each	IPI
New Media Incubator	* 15 early-stage independent news organizations * 8-month innovation incubator with training, coaching and solutions development * grants of up to €15,000 each	IPI
Early Stage Digital Validation	* 15 media companies will be selected * Up to €5,000 grants each * Review, design and validate digital media business plans	Thomson Media
Advanced Business Consultancies	* 6 independent media organizations * grants of up to €30,000 each * implementing new digital products	Thomson Media
Audience Engaged Journalism Grants	* 15 media outlets (two cross-border and 11 country-based) * Promotes the development of 13 investigative stories * Up to €5k grant per story.	Balkan Investigative Reporting Network
Journalism Innovation and Ideation Hackathons	* Two, three-day focused creative media events aimed at establishing cross-border and cross-company ties in the media sector. * Minimum of 10 projects per hackathon	The Fix Foundation
Peer-to-peer journalism mentoring	* A project that will match journalists and newsrooms with mentors that will help with ideation and feedback around news products, technologies and business models	IPI

Press contacts

IPI: Ryan Powell, [email protected]

Thomson Media: Davor Marko, [email protected]

The Fix Foundation: Daryna Shevchenko, [email protected]

BIRN Network: Gentiana Murati, [email protected]

Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Commision. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

The 14th edition of the Summer School is taking place from August 19 to August 24 in Mlini, close to Dubrovnik in Croatia. Thirty selected journalists from Southeast, Eastern and Central Europe will take part in a week-long intensive training aimed at mastering their investigative skills.

Participants in BIRN’s flagship capacity building programme will learn from experienced and award-winning journalists and editors and other media professionals led by Blake Morrison, investigative projects editor at Reuters in New York.

Journalists will be introduced to the fundamentals of investigative reporting, including work on complex cross-border stories, data journalism and visual storytelling, as well as on how to preserve their own digital security while reporting.

Jonathan Soma, a programmer and educator specializing in making complex data accessible, who has worked with ProPublica and The New York Times, among others, will provide guidance on navigating the challenges posed by AI.

Elena Kostychenko, an independent Russian journalist and civil rights activist, winner of the European Press Prize, will share many of her experiences with School participants, including those on reporting in and on Russia.

She was a special correspondent of Novaya Gazeta for more than 15 years until the newspaper was shut down at the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine. She covers the war in Ukraine and collaborates with Russian media in exile. In 2023, Elena published a book, I love Russia: Reporting from a lost country.

Investigative journalist Maria Georgieva and her colleague Ali Fegan from the Swedish public broadcaster will be showcasing a large cross-border collaboration by a team of award-winning journalists and editors from four public television and radio broadcasters in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland about “Putin’s shadow war” in the Nordic area.

The Summer School is also hosting sessions focused on visual storytelling, sustainable media industry and business models with Jakub Górnicki, reporter and co-founder of Outriders, a media publication combining art, journalism and technology.

BIRN will also showcase some of its own work at the cross-section of investigative and engagement journalism and digital rights violations monitoring. It will share its experience in covering transitional justice issues and documenting war crimes, relevant in view of reporting on the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Continued collaboration with The Self-Investigation foundation will provide important discussions on mental health and well-being in the newsrooms. The setting in Mlini is familiar – it will be the third Summer School in this beautiful village on the Croatian coast – and will help us to combine hard work with time for self-care. BIRN will also provide space for networking and future collaborations beyond the Summer School.

As every year, BIRN is providing 30 full scholarships for selected participants. Journalists from the following countries are eligible to apply: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Ukraine, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Turkey, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. This will cover a full stipend for participation in the programme, accommodation, meals, as well as transportation expenses of up to €200.

The focus remains on journalists from the Balkans, while the list of eligible countries has expanded over the years following BIRN’s increased coverage of the wider region of Southeast and Central Europe, and also to enable further exchange of knowledge and incentivise cross-border collaboration. This year we would like to particularly encourage journalists from Ukraine to apply for the School, as we believe it is crucial to provide capacity building support to those pursuing investigative stories in the times of war.

In addition to training, editorial support and mentorship, through our Investigative Initiative Story Fund, BIRN will provide selected participants with funds to support story development and production.

Participants are requested to prepare a proposal for an investigative story and present it during the week in Croatia, to be worked on in the months following the School, either alone or in a cross-border team. On the last day of the School, a jury composed of BIRN editors and trainers will award the best pitches with editorial, financial and publication support.

Limited spots are also available for international participants who want to take part in the training and cover their own costs. They need to cover an all-inclusive fee of €1,500, covering full board at the hotel Astarea in Mlini, where the Summer School is taking place. No extra charges are requested for tuition.

Applications close on July 7, 2024.

Click here to apply!

The Internet Freedom Meet (IFM), organised by the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN) with the support of the European Union, brought together experts from different spheres of society this year to discuss ongoing and new challenges in the online sphere.

David Geer, Head of the Delegation of the European Union in North Macedonia, said solving Internet challenges requires the involvement of the whole of society. “They are not just challenges for governments to tackle but for all of us and all relevant addresses of Internet governance, from the private sector, government, academia, technology companies, to civil society and the media,” Geer said.

Speaking about foundations, consequences and solutions for the misuse of data on the Internet, Kosovo’s Commissioner for Information and Privacy, Krenare Dermak, said the first step is to teach citizens the basics of Internet searches. He suggests we should never agree to give access to all cookies, because that means giving access to all of our information, while at the same time, the user usually does not know where that data goes and to whom.

Journalists at the Internet Freedom Meet drew attention to gender-based violence, which is common online and mostly aimed at the sexual freedom of women. They stated that thousands of men are sharing intimate content on girls and women without their permission. The victims are often minors, which is an additional motive for the involvement of prosecutors. Recently, several leaders of Telegram groups were arrested in one action.

Telegram, it was noted, is an attractive app for those who intend to break the law, participate in creating or joining extremist groups, or are part of huge disinformation networks. Anonymity, protection of exchanged messages, and the lack of cooperation from Telegram owners with local prosecutors, all contribute to the popularity of the application.

While it can be used benignly and positively, it has also caused significant damage to individuals and society as a whole, experts concluded at the conference. Strict regulation of the use of artificial intelligence (AI), expert Arvin Kamberi mentioned, may not be the best solution. However, in the long run, AI’s monopoly on knowledge could become problematic.

Participants in Skopje also discussed the need for and reasons behind the use of public surveillance cameras, which must be strictly regulated, as well as the way in which camera data is used.

Finally, panelists touched on the problem of elections and pre-election campaigns, which are increasingly challenged by misinformation and the use of artificial intelligence, AI, to undermine the integrity of institutions or political opponents.

The IFM concluded with the presentation of BIRN’s project “Reporting Digital Rights and Freedoms”, emphasizing how cooperation with independent experts and institutions can be achieved.

The Global Index on Responsible AI, GIRAI, is the first tool to set globally relevant benchmarks for responsible AI and assess them in countries around the world.

This study constitutes the largest global data collection on responsible AI to date. In its first edition, the Index represents primary data collected by researchers from 138 countries, including 41 countries from Africa, between November 1, 2021 and November 1, 2023.

During the panel, the 1st edition report and an interactive portal providing open access to all the data gathered as part of the project were made available online at global-index.ai.

Balkan Investigative Reporting Network, BIRN HUB, contributed to the Index, leading the research for Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania and Serbia.

“Working on the first edition of GIRAI was both a privilege and a challenge. As we delved into the data and sought relevant evidence, we observed a significant discrepancy between countries. While some nations lead in AI use and initiatives, much remains to be done regarding ethical AI development,” said Ivana Jeremic, BIRN’s Digital Rights Programme Content Lead and GIRAI Southeast Europe Research Team Leader.

“The index will become a valuable tool for tracking progress and an excellent resource for journalists and researchers. This process has been a learning experience, and I believe the next round will be even better, hopefully including more countries, given the importance of this topic,” she added.

The GIRAI is a flagship project by the Global Center on AI Governance that tracks and measures countries’ commitments and progress towards responsible AI. The tool is comprehensive and multidimensional, involving data collection and analysis from 138 countries to provide a comprehensive understanding of how nations are addressing the ethical, social, and regulatory challenges posed by AI technologies.

The Index highlights global trends and gaps in responsible AI, serving as a critical tool for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders to understand the current landscape and drive improvements. It promotes international cooperation, encourages the adoption of human-centric AI frameworks, and fosters a sustainable and ethical future for AI.

On June 10 and 11, 23 journalists attended an online training on Data Analysis and Visualization, part of the Western Balkans Media for Change project’s learning circle.

Representing media outlets from six countries – Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kosovo – the journalists acquired skills essential for contemporary newsrooms.

Data analysis is a cornerstone of investigative journalism, enabling journalists to uncover hidden stories. In today’s media landscape, data visualization is equally critical.

The online training was led by Jonathan Stoneman, a journalist and trainer with extensive experience at the BBC, where he served as a researcher, producer and director for the Macedonian and Croatian language services. Following his tenure with the BBC World Service in Zagreb, Stoneman dedicated his expertise to training journalists, with a focus on data analysis.

“Think about your data like interviewing a person,” Stoneman advised the trainees. “If you think of data as a source, you ask it questions.”

The first day concentrated on data analysis techniques, including filtering, sorting, summarizing, and refining data, using accessible tools like OpenRefine. The second day shifted focus to data visualization and producing stories from data using different angles and types of information display. Participants were introduced to various user-friendly tools suitable for any newsroom.

In addition to the primary trainer, investigative journalists from BIRN Serbia and BIRN Macedonia presented case studies. Goce Trpkovski and Miodrag Marković showcased how utilizing tools can facilitate in-depth exploration and presentation of investigative topics in the region. Complementing the training, Fokus from Sarajevo demonstrated their own example of effective data visualization.

The training underscored the importance of incorporating diverse communities and gender-sensitive data into analyses. This learning circle is part of a broader editorial and mentoring support initiative for journalists and media outlets. The project also provides financial assistance to enhance operational capacity, business sustainability, and innovation potential. Its goal is to equip media professionals with the skills needed to produce high-quality, diverse, fact-checked, and gender-sensitive content that engages wider audiences.

The Western Balkans Media for Change project is funded by the UK government and implemented by the British Council in partnership with the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network, Thomson Foundation and The International NGO Training and Research Centre, INTRAC.

It supports the work of media outlets and individual journalists from the Western Balkan countries.

Members of the Southeast Europe Digital Rights Network, SEE Digital Rights Network, met in Bjelasnica, Bosnia and Herzegovina, for a two-day retreat on May 28 and May 29, discussing the future of the Network and ways to improve communication and increase its impact and visibility.

The aim of the discussion about shared objectives and effective governance was to enable impactful collaboration on digital rights issues in the region. The agenda was designed to establish a solid foundation for the future operations of the SEE Digital Rights Network, including practical steps for collaboration in the form of a task force that will work on drafting key documents and defining strategic goals.

Orkidea Xhaferaj from the Center Science and Innovation for Development, SCiDEV, who joined the Network’s task force, said: “The task force as a temporary body is charged with providing options for the organisational governance and development of the regional network to support future advocacy initiatives, networks capacity building and increasing the impact of national organisations on the regional level in terms of digital rights protection.”

As digital rights violations increased, more than a dozen rights organisations agreed in 2020 to work together to protect individuals and societies in Southeast Europe. Over time, the SEE Digital Rights Network has expanded, forming a coalition of 39 civil society and media organizations.

Network members from Albania, Bosnia, Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia and North Macedonia gathered to help further define the Networks’ mission, vision and values, as well as the structure and decision-making process.

“SEE Digital Rights Network is an important initiative to contribute to advancing digital rights in the region with the ultimate aim of safeguarding human rights throughout the region, considering democratic backsliding and human rights violations both offline and online. The Networks serve as a setting for organisations throughout the region to increase the impact on local and national level and then jointly advocate for regional protection, safeguarding,” said Xhaferaj.

Denas je nov dan is one of the newer members of the Network and the Bjelasnica meeting was their first. Maja Cimerman, their representative, said they saw a benefit in joining the network.

“We joined the network because we follow the work of its members and we think that we can support each other with organizing, and with regional connections our work achieves a greater impact,” Cimerman said.

The Institute for Democracy and Mediation, SCiDEV, Media Development Center (North Macedonia), Politiscope, Mediacentar Sarajevo, Drzavljan D, Balkan Investigative Reporting Network, Partners Serbia, Youth Initiative for Human Rights Serbia, Denas je nov dan Slovenia, SHARE Foundation and Zašto ne attended the meeting.

Given the delicate state of democracy in the Western Balkans, it is crucial for journalists to possess skills in crisis reporting, which include covering riots, protests, and elections. These skills are vital for upholding professional standards and ensuring the safety of journalists. Journalists frequently face defamation in tabloid media and on social media for their professional conduct. They also encounter challenges in maintaining their digital security and safeguarding their work and sources.

This regional training, within the project “Strengthening Quality Journalism in Western Balkans and Türkiye II,” is tailored to address these challenges through a multi-sectoral approach, engaging experts from various related fields to share their knowledge and skills. The training will include practical simulations to showcase effective techniques for countering attacks and proactive measures.

The goal of the regional training camp is to equip journalists with specialized knowledge that enables them to protect themselves and their newsrooms from various threats, including physical, digital and psychological attacks. The training sessions will be led by a diverse group of trainers and guest speakers, including BIRN managing editors and other distinguished external speakers.

Who can apply?

To apply for the programme, journalists are required to meet the following criteria:

• Be a resident of one of the six Western Balkan countries – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia.
• Journalists with at least one year of working experience, or a final-year journalism students, recent graduates, and young and professional journalists from the six Western Balkan countries may apply for the course.
• Demonstrate a strong motivation and commitment to participation in the exchange programme.

BIRN is dedicated to promoting and achieving diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture, so we encourage individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups, and those with disabilities to apply.

How to apply?

Applicants interested in this regional camp should fill in the Application Form in English language by 24 June 2024.

Selection Criteria

Criteria for Selection of Participants	Scores
Journalists with residency in one of the six Western Balkan countries	10 points
Working Experience	10 points
Demonstration of strong motivation and commitment to participation in the exchange programme.	30 points

Language

The training will be held in English.

Location

The training will take place in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Details about the agenda, travel and accommodation will be provided to the selected participants.

Deadline for applications: Thursday, 24 June 2024, 23:59, Central European Time.

Tentative date of the training course: 8–10 July, 2024.

Remarks

Travel and accommodation costs will be covered by BIRN.

Training participants will have access to a content production fund available through this project.

ABOUT THE PRODUCTION SUPPORT

The Production Support aims to enhance the quality of news and investigative reporting across all public broadcasters in the Western Balkans through supporting teams of journalists, editors, producers and other media professionals from these broadcasters. This call, within the project “Strengthening Quality Journalism in Western Balkans and Türkiye II,” will support the production of at least two television stories in each Western Balkan country, totalling 12 stories across all six countries.

Six Production Supports will be awarded through this call, each for a gross amount of €8,000 for the production of two television stories per country. These funds can cover the following costs related to the production of TV stories: travel costs, rent of additionally needed equipment, design and visualization, translation, honoraria for the individuals involved in the production of the stories and others. All costs are subject to approval after the applications are selected.

The selected teams of journalists will receive mentorship from BIRN`s editors/mentors in the production of their stories and will be invited to contribute to the production of one cross-border documentary.

WHO CAN APPLY?

This call is designed for teams of 3-5 members of journalists, editors, producers and other media professionals from public broadcasters in Western Balkan countries. Applicants are required to complete an application form, propose ideas for the topics to be covered in the two television stories they wish to produce through this grant, and designate a team leader. A variety of topics for production of stories are eligible for this call, such as topics affecting national and regional economies, struggles and challenges to countries; EU integration processes, societies and countries; human rights violations, including those in the digital sphere, education, environment and health challenges and others.

Within this call, a total of six teams, one from each of the Western Balkan countries, will be chosen.

Each team is anticipated to:

• Consist of 3-5 journalists, editors, producers and other media professionals from the same public broadcaster in one of Western Balkan countries. Teams can consist of team members working in the same or different public broadcasters in the same country.
• Propose a clear idea and financial plan for the production and publication of two TV stories.
• Produce at least two TV stories that will be aired by the public broadcaster to which they are affiliated during 2024.
• Be involved in mentorship sessions and work closely with BIRN`s editors/mentors.

BIRN is dedicated to promoting and achieving diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture, so we encourage individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups, and those with disabilities to apply.

HOW TO APPLY?

Please fill in the Application Form in English by Friday July 5 by 14:00 and upload all the requested documents. A detailed financial breakdown will be requested only from pre-selected applicants before signing the agreement.

If you have questions about the programme, or the call, please contact Marija Vasilevska at [email protected].

EVALUATION OF THE APPLICATIONS

A selection committee of three senior BIRN editors will independently evaluate all the applications.  There will be two phases of selection:

1. Administrative and Eligibility Review: Checking whether the applications are filled in the right format and if all required information is provided within the deadline; and
2. Evaluation by the Selection Committee: Evaluation of the applications that passed the administrative and eligibility criteria as per the following selection criteria:

Evaluation Criteria	Scores
Experience of the team members: –        The application is submitted by a team of 3-5 journalists, editors, producers and other media professionals from the same public broadcasters in one of Western Balkan countries. –        All team members are working in public broadcasters. –        At least one of the team members has 3-5 years of working experience as a journalist.	40 points
The story ideas: –        The topic of the stories and its relevance (priorities will be given to stories that cover human rights violations against women, men, girls and boys). –        Presentation of the ideas for the stories.	60 points

Applicants will be notified on the status of their application by mid-July 2024 at the latest.