Diversify. Simplify. Engage Young and Rural Audiences

Project Activities

The funding enabled Átlátszó Erdély to diversify its journalism and develop new ways of reaching audiences. The newsroom produced at least 30 short-form videos for TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, redesigned its visual elements, and produced local video reports focusing on young people living in rural areas and small towns. It also experimented with podcasts, publishing six episodes, while introducing short summaries for long-form articles and maintaining weekly newsletters.

These activities helped the newsroom reach younger audiences and make public-interest journalism more accessible through formats they increasingly use. Field-based video reports proved particularly effective, bringing the experiences of young people in smaller communities into the public conversation and helping older audiences better understand their perspectives. The project also strengthened engagement with existing supporters through a dedicated newsletter, contributing to the growth of the outlet’s supporter community.

What is the impact?

The project made a meaningful contribution to addressing local news deserts by improving access to independent, public-interest journalism for audiences in rural areas and smaller communities, where dedicated local media is often limited or inconsistent. By adapting investigative reporting into short-form videos, explainers and field-based video reports, Átlátszó Erdély was able to bring important information to audiences who might not otherwise engage with long-form journalism, particularly younger people who consume news primarily through social media.

The project also helped establish workflows that can continue beyond the funding period. The newsroom plans to continue adapting investigative stories into short-form video, ensuring that public-interest journalism remains accessible to underserved communities and reaches audiences in formats they already use.

The project brought greater visibility to the experiences and concerns of young people living in rural areas and small towns across Transylvania. Video reports addressed issues including migration, education, employment, housing, political participation and young people's prospects for the future. By bringing these perspectives into public discussion, the project contributed to a better understanding of the challenges facing younger generations and helped make their experiences more visible to the wider community.

The project also expanded Átlátszó Erdély's reach among younger audiences. On TikTok, the share of followers aged 18–34 increased from 21.8% to 34.2%, while YouTube gained more than 1,500 subscribers and began reaching a measurable 25–34 audience. The project therefore not only increased access to public-interest journalism but also helped connect younger members of the Hungarian-speaking community in Transylvania with issues affecting their communities and everyday lives.

Project Links

• Kisváros, nagy döntés
• Átlátszó Airday
• Instagram
• TikTok