“WE HEAR YOU”

Special focus is placed on marginalised groups such as rural residents, young people, ethnic minorities, and socially vulnerable communities, who are rarely represented in mainstream media.

We Hear You – Čujemo se is a storytelling and multimedia project aimed at strengthening independent journalism in southern Serbia. Through the mentorship of a young journalism intern, the project will research and publish stories from marginalised and overlooked communities, particularly in Vranje and the Pčinja District, where local voices are often excluded from public discourse.

The region faces serious challenges: a lack of media infrastructure, political pressure, and dependence on local authorities have resulted in a media landscape akin to a news desert. Rural residents, young people, ethnic minorities, and vulnerable groups remain largely invisible in mainstream outlets. This project seeks to amplify their everyday experiences and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the media environment.

Main Activities

• Training and mentoring of one journalism intern in field reporting, multimedia production, and ethical storytelling
• Publishing twelve original stories on the Slobodna reč portal
• Producing twelve short videos for Instagram and Facebook to engage younger audiences
• Procuring essential reporting equipment (camera, microphone, tripod)
• Promoting content via social media and collaboration with other media outlets

Expected Results

• Enhanced editorial skills and strengthened capacity for independent journalism
• Increased visibility of marginalised groups and local issues
• Improved community trust in local media
• A minimum of twelve impactful stories and videos that raise awareness and foster dialogue

By combining youth mentorship with innovative storytelling formats, We Hear You aims to give voice to underrepresented communities and demonstrate that quality journalism can flourish even in challenging circumstances. The project also supports long-term sustainability by expanding audience reach and reinforcing editorial independence.

Slobodna reč is a non-profit, civil society media outlet from Serbia and has distinguished itself among local media in Serbia over the past five years. Committed to serving the public interest, it produces high-quality journalism focused on local community issues and civil liberties, while actively combating disinformation.

The newsroom consists of three full-time and two part-time members and maintains a distinctive visual identity alongside an active presence on social media. Slobodna reč has received two journalism awards — one for best editorial work in local media, and another from the Journalists’ Association of Serbia (one of the oldest journalism associations in Europe) for excellence in satire and cartooning.

Goals (Expected) of the Project

The goal of We Hear You is to strengthen independent journalism in southern Serbia by creating a platform for stories that are often left untold. The project centres on mentoring a young journalism intern who will gain experience working directly in the field, documenting everyday realities, and using multimedia tools to engage audiences in innovative ways. This process builds professional capacity while ensuring that marginalised communities are represented in public discourse.

By publishing original stories and short videos, the project enhances the visibility of rural residents, young people, minorities, and socially vulnerable groups who are typically excluded from the media narrative. In a region affected by political pressure, self-censorship, and insufficient media infrastructure, such reporting contributes directly to media pluralism and democratic resilience. It challenges the prevailing silence around local issues and helps rebuild public trust in journalism as a public service rather than a tool of power.

At its core, the project is founded on the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Editorial decisions are informed by fairness, accuracy, and a sensitivity towards communities that are often overlooked, offering a human rights-based approach that supports participation and equal representation.

Ultimately, the project’s impact will be measured not only by the number of stories produced but by the extent to which communities feel heard and acknowledged. We Hear You aims to demonstrate that, even in adverse conditions, independent journalism can thrive, engage the public, and contribute to a more open, inclusive, and democratic society.