Premium Newsletter: Validating the Business Concept

The project aims to transform Vreme’s weekly newsletter Medjuvreme into a sustainable, reader-supported premium model, designed to strengthen independent journalism in Serbia. With over 11,000 subscribers to the free version, the project will introduce a new layer of value: in-depth, subscriber-only content that offers greater context, deeper stories, and unique editorial perspectives.

Vreme believes that journalism must remain accessible, which would keep a portion of the newsletter to remain free. Consequently, high-quality reporting comes at a cost and in a media landscape increasingly marked by political pressure, shrinking revenues, and disinformation, building a loyal base of paid supporters is essential to preserving the media outlet's editorial independence.

This initiative goes beyond just launching a paid newsletter. It’s about reshaping how independent media in Serbia can survive and grow in the long term. While the culture of paying for news is still developing in the region, Vreme, with more than three decades of credibility and public trust, is uniquely positioned to lead by example. By proving an existing loyal audience willing to invest in reliable journalism, the project aims to set a new benchmark for media sustainability in Serbia.

Expected result of the project

The main goal of this project is to create a financially sustainable and audience-driven premium version of Medjuvreme, Vreme’s weekly newsletter, while preserving free access to essential content. By combining editorial innovation with audience engagement, Vreme aims to strengthen the foundation for independent journalism in Serbia.

Key expected results include:

• The development and testing of high-quality, exclusive newsletter content that offers real added value to paying subscribers, such as deeper investigations, expert commentary, and unique formats.
• The successful launch of a pilot premium newsletter edition, distributed over three consecutive weeks, providing measurable insights into user engagement, subscription conversion, and content performance.
• An integrated promotional campaign that increases the visibility of the premium offer.