In a country where investigative journalists are increasingly exposed to harassment, intimidation, and violence from authorities and pro-government groups (according to the 2022 Serbia report by Freedom House), and where physical attacks, defamation, and various forms of daily pressure have become an integral part of the profession, it is of essential importance to pay attention to young journalists and encourage them to pursue this profession despite the current circumstances.

Young journalists, in addition to having the opportunity to present the perspectives and needs of their generation through their work, to explore and highlight important issues that may be underreported, also contribute more broadly to the diversity of the media landscape. They enable a better understanding of the needs and interests of young audiences, ultimately ensuring inclusiveness and participation in democratic processes.

Taking into account the vital importance of free and independent media in the process of democratization of society, the Belgrade Open School, within the project “Advancing Media and Youth CSOs for Prosperous Democratic Development of Serbia”, launched the Journalism Academy in 2022, which was successfully implemented for the second consecutive year.

The best final works of this year’s Academy were awarded to the article by Đorđe Jokić titled “Is It Worth Crying Over Spilled Milk” (published in NIN, May 25, p. 28), developed under the mentorship of Milan Ćulibrk, and the investigative story by Tamara Todorović titled “Cyprus Papers and Local Affairs in Niš”, written with mentoring support from Dragana Pećo.

Valuable monetary awards were also provided to six additional participants who, through mentoring with prominent journalists, produced the best media content in written or audiovisual form. The awards were presented at the final meeting held in Ub from 17th to 19th May 2023.

During the three-day event, participants had the opportunity to engage in discussions and informal exchange with Rade Đurić, a legal expert from The Independent Journalists’ Association of Serbia, who spoke about journalist safety; with Jelena Zorić, who shared insights on the challenges of investigative journalism; and finally with Dragoljub Draža Petrović, who held a session titled “Media: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow”.