We Hear You - Čujemo se

Project-related content generated close to one million views across platforms, while short-form video significantly expanded the outlet's reach among younger audiences. Several stories prompted institutional responses, wider media coverage, and civic engagement, demonstrating the impact of independent local journalism in communities often overlooked by larger media.

Project Activities

Slobodna reč produced field-based public-interest stories on child safety, cultural heritage, gender inequality, vulnerable groups, abandoned animals and neglected infrastructure. Reporting combined field visits, interviews, document analysis and follow-up on institutional responses.

The project also produced 12 short-form videos and expanded distribution from Facebook and Instagram to TikTok and YouTube Shorts. Training young interns and hands-on work strengthened the team's filming and editing skills. Social media promotion and cooperation with other media significantly increased the visibility of the stories and helped reach communities and audiences beyond Vranje.

What is the impact?

The project helped address the effects of the news desert in southern Serbia by providing consistent public-interest reporting from a region that receives limited attention from national media. Slobodna reč covered communities and issues that are frequently overlooked, including other multicultural municipalities in district and rural areas. Several stories were republished by other media, and some received national coverage, extending local issues beyond their place of origin. Digital distribution and short-form video also helped connect local journalism with younger audiences and reduce geographical barriers to access.

The project increased the visibility of local problems and contributed to concrete responses. Reporting on a dangerous area near a school was followed by the installation of protective fencing after more than a decade without action. Coverage of traffic safety near a rural school prompted commitments from authorities, while reporting on a historic school property generated public debate and civic engagement. Audience growth was also significant: Facebook followers increased by 31% and Instagram followers by 45%, while project content generated close to one million views. The launch of TikTok and YouTube Shorts further expanded reach among younger audiences.

Project Links

• Uzovo, poslednja kuća u Srbiji – Od Rimljana do dvoje meštana
• Put bez kontrole brzine i dalje pretnja po učenike u Ćukovcu
• Javni interes ili kvadrati za investitore: Režim želi legat Gimnazije
• Ima li komšijske solidarnosti kad nema autobusa
• Kako je Vranje zasijalo dok je RTS gasio dečiji program
• Nakon deset godina, opasnost rešena – trakom
• Ulica rađa poslanike
• Surdulica – medijska pustinja
• Autokomanda i Vranjanci: Od ljubavi do mržnje
• Jedan azil godišnje ode na ujede napuštenih pasa u Vranju
• Vranje bez ženskih ulica, zaboravljena čak i Ana Komnina
• Deca i električni motori: Umesto volana telefon, glava bez kacige

Project Pictures

Photos by Sanja Petrov, Dušan Pešić, Melanija Stanković