Mediacentar Sarajevo, supported by Google, is implementing a project focused on the challenges faced by the media in the Western Balkans, where disinformation and political propaganda — especially during electoral periods — pose significant threats to independent journalism. Newsrooms in the region often lack the necessary resources and skills to counter harmful narratives and produce high-quality, ethical reporting. This contributes to poor election coverage, leaving media outlets vulnerable to biased reporting, disinformation, and a lack of quality content essential for informed voter decision-making.

 

This project will ensure media resilience by providing accessible resources, tools, and training modules. Journalists will be better prepared to face challenges in politically tense environments. By promoting and using innovative tools and methods in election reporting — currently underutilized in the Western Balkans media landscape — the media community will be in a better position to keep pace with global media trends, ensuring efficient and high-quality election coverage.

 

The project’s primary objectives are:

The project’s objectives will ensure that journalists and editors in each Western Balkans country have access to a tailored, comprehensive election reporting toolkit, enhancing their readiness and ability to report accurately and efficiently during elections. Additionally, the project will establish a regional training center for media staff across the region. Furthermore, the project will result in a resource for journalists providing key information on elections in each Western Balkans country, which can also be valuable for students, researchers, and election monitoring organizations.

 

This project is supported by Google.