Through collaboration with the Ukrainian media outlet Rubrika, Macedonian Media Service (MMS) translated and published over 30 journalistic stories and produced three original interviews. The stories highlighted personal and community efforts to maintain daily life despite challenging circumstances. Broadcasts on national radio Kanal 77, along with a dedicated online campaign, significantly increased visibility. Interviews with refugee families, educators, and civil society representatives in North Macedonia provided local perspectives. The project fostered empathy and understanding by sharing human-centered narratives and promoting solidarity through storytelling.
TechSoup’s Digital Activism Program equips civic society organizations, activists, educators, and marginalized groups to use technology for social justice, human rights, and democracy. The main goal of the program is to establish strong Digital Activism Networks connecting CSOs with expertise in countering disinformation and frontline workers in Central and Eastern Europe; and enhance the knowledge and equip each Digital Activism Network with tools to effectively identify, adapt to, and create actionable responses to disinformation threats in the region.
In order to strengthen those goals, Metamorphosis Foundation in close collaboration with TechSoup in the period 2024 – 2025 provided four small grants to members of the Digital Activism Network in Serbia, Kosovo and North Macedonia.
Hibrid.info/ADS
Hibrid.info/ADS implemented a project focused on analyzing how international narratives influence public perceptions in Kosovo, particularly in relation to regional geopolitics. The project brought together local and international experts—including journalists and researchers—to conduct interviews, desk research, and fact-checking activities. The findings were presented in a public report and at a conference that reached over 5,000 people online. By involving diverse perspectives and sharing evidence-based insights, the project helped strengthen media literacy and critical engagement among researchers, journalists, and the broader public in Kosovo.
Nitna
The organization Nitna, as part of the Digital Activism Program, implemented the project Igniting Hope to spotlight the stories and experiences of refugee women living in Serbia. A one-day event in Belgrade featured a creative workshop, documentary screening, and panel discussion, creating space for dialogue, expression, and solidarity. In addition to the public event, Nitna ran an online campaign and provided training for activists in strategic communication and campaign development. The initiative aimed to increase visibility for marginalized women and empower local activists through a blend of creativity and practical skills.
Kanal 77
Catalyst Balkans conducted a study on how Ukrainian refugees are portrayed in Serbian media, analyzing over 6,000 articles from 28 outlets using AI-supported sentiment analysis. The research found a nearly equal split between positive and negative coverage, though positive portrayals have declined more rapidly over time. Headlines often influenced perception more than article content, especially when using emotionally charged or sensational language. While initial coverage focused on humanitarian aid, topics gradually shifted to migration policies and international responses, with a noticeable drop in empathy-related narratives. The report highlights the importance of ethical journalism and balanced reporting on vulnerable groups. Improved standards and accountability are essential to ensure fair media narratives.
