Centar za promociju civilnog društva (CPCD), in cooperation with partners from Albania, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Germany, is implementing a three-year regional project called SMS Facility – Small Media Support in the Western Balkans. The project was supported by the European Union in the amount of EUR 1,300,000 and is dedicated to the promotion of 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 the right to freedom of expression and access to information, and to promote media pluralism.
Why is the SMS Facility important?
There is an abundance of small local media in the Western Balkans that are “under the radar” and lack 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 that will address the urgent needs of small media, related to the challenges of the media environment, internal management issues, while at the same time supporting professional standards for quality content production. Local media are particularly vulnerable and neglected compared to national, or large media outlets. On the other hand, particularly interesting media content and stories from local communities are brought by small media. Therefore, through this project we want to create a safe environment and structure for the development of media within local communities.
What are the planned activities and results?
The project activities are designed to ensure the achievement of the desired results and goals. Through the distribution of two types of grants, we will provide support and strengthen small media in all 6 countries of the Western Balkans. In addition to financial support, the project will also provide educational support in the form of tutorials, workshops, training, mentoring, and access to tools and methodologies for self-assessment of organizations. 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 in the period from 08.11.2024 to 07.11.2027.