Empowering Local Voices: Strengthening Szegeder’s Engagement and Sustainability

Szegeder’s project strengthens independent journalism in Szeged through three key innovations: (1) Launching a Reader-Contributor System to amplify marginalized voices and encourage community-driven reporting. (2) Expanding personalized newsletters and introducing breaking news alerts to better serve readers. (3) Developing On-the-Move interviews – high-quality, photo-driven feature stories that raise the standard of local journalism. By increasing reader engagement, diversifying content formats, and building a stronger financial foundation, the project empowers local citizens, enriches public discourse, and solidifies Szegeder’s role as Szeged’s leading independent news outlet.

Goals (expected) of the project

The project aims to increase citizen participation in journalism, enhance accessibility to independent news, and elevate the quality of local storytelling. Through the Reader-Contributor System, marginalized communities will gain a direct platform to voice concerns, strengthening accountability and inclusion. Expanded personalized newsletters and breaking news alerts will broaden access to trustworthy news, reaching passive readers and diverse demographics. The On-the-Move interviews will bring richer, more human-centered stories to light, promoting diversity and enhancing credibility. Overall, the project supports media pluralism, fosters democratic engagement, and builds a resilient, community-driven model for independent local journalism in Hungary.