The Center for Civil Society Promotion (CPCD), in cooperation with partners from Albania, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Germany, is implementing a three-year regional project: SMS Facility – Small Media Support in the Western Balkans. The project is supported by the European Union and is dedicated to promoting media freedom and freedom of expression in the Western Balkan countries.
The aim of the project is to provide an enabling environment and structure for professional media and to contribute to strengthening the capacities of local media, media organizations, and journalists to exercise their right to freedom of expression and access to information, and to promote media pluralism.
Why is SMS Facility important?
Across the Western Balkans, there is a large number of small local media outlets that operate “under the radar” and lack adequate support. A problem that is present in all Western Balkan countries is the lack of appropriate business models for local media.
The Small Media Support Facility (SMS Facility) is a “tailor-made” structure designed to address the urgent needs of small media in relation to challenges in the media environment and internal management issues, while simultaneously supporting professional standards for high-quality content.
Local media outlets are particularly vulnerable and neglected compared to national media outlets and large media houses. At the same time, it is precisely small media outlets that produce especially interesting media content and stories from local communities. Therefore, through this project, we aim to create a safe environment and structure for the development of media within local communities.
What are the planned activities and results?
Project activities have been designed to ensure the achievement of the desired results and objectives. Through the distribution of two types of grants, we will provide support and strengthen small media in all six Western Balkan countries.
In addition to financial support, the project will also offer educational assistance in the form of tutorials, workshops, trainings, mentoring support, and access to tools and methodologies for organizational self-assessment. In this way, we will enable the development of local media. All activities will be promoted through the media and communication channels of the project partners.
Where will the project be implemented and how long will it last?
The project will be implemented in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Serbia, during the period from 08.11.2024 to 07.11.2027.
