Okraj

The Moravian-Silesian Region lacks independent investigative journalism for the proper functioning of local democracy. That is why we will establish a new independent media outlet "Okraj", an investigative and analytical regional editorial office that will not deal with daily news, but rather with the production of complex, contextual articles covering politics, environment, minorities, social issues and more.

With expertise in innovative formats like data journalism, OSINT or podcasts we will enrich our offerings for those who live in the Moravian-Silesian region and possess a genuine interest in their local surroundings and a strong desire to foster positive change within the region.

We are a collective of experienced journalists who have extensively covered regional concerns at a national scale over the years. With a common origin rooted in this locality, we collectively recognize the pronounced demand for high-calibre investigative and analytical journalism. This shared recognition has propelled us towards a shared objective: the establishment of a regional newsroom in the Moravian-Silesian region, which is one of the largest and most important regions in the country, it is an economic, political and industrial centre.

Basic information

Name

Okraj

Title

Moravian-Silesian Investigative Journalism

Country

Czechia

City

Ostrava

Website

www.okraj.cz

Links

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Supported projects

Desegregation: Quality Education for Roma Children

Education
Human Rights

CLUJ-NAPOCA / MILANO / HERMANKY - Despite repeated rulings from the European Court of Human Rights declaring the segregation of Roma children in schools a violation of human rights, segregation is increasing across Europe. This cross-border project investigates desegregation practices in the Moravian-Silesian Region (Czech Republic), Transylvania (Romania), and Rome (Italy).

End Homelessness: Lessons Learned

Culture
Social affairs

UTRECHT / PRAGUE / WEINSTADT – All over Europe the access to affordable housing is shaking. Over the last ten years prices of houses have increased with 48% on average in the EU, and the number of homeless people have risen to an estimated 1.3 million people.

High-tech Promises and Security Gaps in EU Funded Projects

Economy
Security

DOBROGEA/ MORAVIA-SILESIA - Across Europe, public money is fuelling apparently high-tech projects that promise safety, innovation, and inclusion - yet both in Dobrogea and Ostrava, delivery on EU funded projects seems to lag behind the slogans and, in some cases, open up significant security risks.

Local Lens: Empowering Community Narratives

Innovation
Journalism & Media

OSTRAVA – The primary target audience comprises educated citizens aged 25–55 in the Moravian-Silesian region, with a particular focus on Ostrava and smaller municipalities through the Microregions project. The Local Lens initiative specifically empowers national minorities and young journalists who currently lack opportunities in local journalism.

Loneliness Knows No Borders: Growing Old Isolated

Human Rights
Social affairs

WEINSTADT / PRAGUE / TORINO / ALYTUS - Loneliness in old age is a growing but often invisible crisis across Europe. Millions of older people live in isolation, cut off from family ties and community life. The consequences go far beyond sadness: social isolation is linked to depression, dementia, cardiovascular disease, and higher mortality rates, including suicide.

Okraj - Investigative and Analytical Newsroom in Moravian-Silesian Region

Journalism & Media

OSTRAVA - The Moravian-Silesian Region lacks independent investigative journalism for the proper functioning of local democracy. That is why we will establish a new independent media outlet "Okraj", an investigative and analytical regional editorial office that will not deal with daily news, but rather with the production of complex, contextual articles covering politics, environment, minorities, social issues and more.