Local Lens: Empowering Community Narratives

This project aims to support young journalists and marginalised national minorities in the Moravian-Silesian region, a key "news desert" in Czechia. The disappearance of many independent local newspapers has resulted in a decline in critical reporting and a rise in polarisation. The project seeks to address this by training three young journalists in investigative community journalism.

Through intensive mentoring, these journalists will produce ethical, in-depth reports that amplify the voices of underrepresented groups, such as the Polish community in Český Těšín and the Greek community in Krnov. Their reports will focus on vital socio-economic issues, including unemployment, healthcare, and education—thereby promoting media pluralism and challenging populist narratives. Additionally, the journalists will organise public debates and promote their content to encourage dialogue and combat xenophobia.

Funding will be used to support these young journalists by covering their salaries, training, and operational costs, enabling them to produce and distribute high-quality, independent local journalism. This investment in ethical reporting not only provides a platform for marginalised communities but also nurtures the next generation of journalists, encouraging them to pursue local careers and strengthen democratic discourse at a grassroots level.

Okraj is a non-profit media outlet dedicated to empowering communities in the Moravian-Silesian region through independent, investigative, and ethical journalism. As a successful case study of the Local Media for Democracy project, Okraj serves as a model for establishing resilient local media. Its mission is to amplify local voices and address overlooked issues such as marginalised communities, post-industrial challenges, and social inequality.

Within its first year, Okraj’s reporting—recognised by both Czech and European journalism awards—drew national attention to local communities. This included engagement from Czech President Petr Pavel and led to the resignation of a local deputy mayor following racist remarks about Roma children. The outlet produces investigative and analytical long reads, accessible newsletters that simplify complex municipal decisions, and podcasts featuring experts and active citizens. It provides stakeholders, politicians, and activists with impactful, contextual information that fosters accountability and challenges regional stereotypes.

Goals (Expected) of the Project

The primary objective of the project is to address the critical gap in local journalism by training young journalists to ethically report on diverse national minorities. This directly strengthens media pluralism by introducing a much-needed source of independent, in-depth journalism in a regional news desert.

Over the course of nine months, the project will deliver several key outcomes. The two trainees will produce in-depth written articles and podcasts, ensuring that underrepresented voices are heard. To promote a human rights-based approach and foster diversity, inclusion, and equality, the project will include four public events aimed at engaging 200 citizens in inclusive dialogue across different parts of the region.

In addition, the project will aim to increase social media reach by 20% to further amplify these narratives. By mentoring emerging talent and building stronger, trust-based relationships between media and the community, the project will deliver quality journalism that enhances democratic participation in underserved microregions.

This approach also demonstrates a meaningful and impactful career path for young journalists, encouraging them to remain in and contribute to their local communities.