Success Stories: Impact in Action

Behind every grant, event, and initiative, there are real stories of progress, collaboration, and transformation. Our success stories highlight the experiences of media professionals and public service broadcasters who are innovating, learning, and making a lasting impact across the Western Balkans.

Discover how our grantees are overcoming challenges, developing new formats, strengthening editorial practices, and connecting with audiences in meaningful ways. From investigative journalism projects to digital storytelling innovations, these stories showcase the tangible results of our program.

Explore their journeys and see how public service media are evolving to meet the demands of modern audiences while upholding the highest journalistic standards.

Success stories Emir Zametica, BHRT

Two Broadcasters, One Shared Mission: Learning through Media Mobility

When I applied for the Innovation. Media. Minds. mobility grant, I knew what I wanted to understand. I wanted to see how other public broadcasters deal with the same challenges. Not only which technology they use, but how their teams communicate and how promotion works with design, programme, marketing and production. Read more

Jovo Vukcevic - mobility experience visual © Jovo Vukcevic © Jovo Vukcevic

Innovating Public Media for Young Audiences

“The Western Balkans Postcards” is the first digital‑first project of Radio Belgrade. The beauty of the Western Balkans was transformed into short video formats that are thematic, warm, and positive. The narrators are the very people we spoke with during our long journey across the Western Balkans. Read more

Postcards from the Western Balkans: A Digital‑First Youth Media Project visual © Radio Belgrade © Radio Belgrade

From Local Newsrooms to Global Conversations

I work as a television editor for a Slovak‑language programme in Vojvodina, Serbia. When I was selected to attend the International Journalism Festival in Perugia through an EU‑funded mobility grant, I was initially unsure how relevant the experience would be for my day‑to‑day work in a small, minority‑language newsroom. It turned out to be far more relevant than I expected. Read more

Jaroslav Zacko at the International Journalism Festival © Jaroslav Zacko © Jaroslav Zacko

Behind the Scenes of Eurovision Selections

During my mobility, I visited Croatian Radio and Television (HRT) during Dora and Radio and Television of Serbia (RTS) during Pesma za Evroviziju (PZE). One of the most valuable aspects of the experience was observing the differences in organisational approaches between the two broadcasters. Rather than approaching this with the intention of directly replicating existing models, the focus was on recognising practices that could be realistically adapted to RTCG’s operational environment. Read more

Antonela Martinovic mobility grant experience © Antonela Martinovic © Antonela Martinovic

Schools as Drivers of Climate Justice and Sustainable Energy

Globally, nature-based solutions are receiving increasing attention for flood protection, but in North Macedonia, these practices are still in their early stages. See how solar panels are transforming North Macedonian schools: from high energy bills and pollution to lower costs, improved learning conditions and a more sustainable energy future. Read more

Vidi Vaka visual_Episode 4 © Vidi Vaka © Vidi Vaka

Myths Uncovered: Western Balkan Myth Busters

Western Balkan Myth Bustersis a documentary series on YouTube that explores the rich tapestry of myths and legends from across the Western Balkans. Targeting a younger audience (19–23), each 5–8 minute episode combines cinematic storytelling with journalistic inquiry, presenting stories through two perspectives: firsthand accounts from locals and expert insights from historians and researchers. Read more

Western Balkan Myth Busters Visual © Western Balkan Myth Busters © Western Balkan Myth Busters

Studying Abroad Through Western Balkan Voices

Neighbors is a group/project team made up of Teona Jordanoska, Emina Smajlović (Radio and Television of Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina), and Nataša Novosel (Radio and Television of Bosnia and Herzegovina). Our aim was to explore and showcase the experiences of international students from the Western Balkans who are studying abroad. Read more

Group neighbors - screening at NextGen Media Expo II in Prizren © Group Neighbors © Group Neighbors

Making Family and Youth Issues Visible Through Media

The project “O svijesti – Regional Stories on Parenting and Family Support” creates space for open, informed and accessible conversations about the challenges faced by parents, children, young people and families today. Read more
 

Association Parents - Project O svijesti © Association Parents © Association Parents

Fostering Media Cooperation and Innovation Through International Exchange

During my IMM mobility experience, I had the opportunity to gain insight into different aspects of public media service operations, contemporary television production and international cooperation, while also strengthening my technical and professional skills. Read more

Rialda Ocuz (BHRT) mobility grant experience © Rialda Ocuz © Rialda Ocuz

From Exchange to Collaboration: A Successful Mobility Experience at BHRT and HRT

All planned project activities were implemented, accompanied by an exceptionally positive experience and a high level of professional cooperation in both public service media. I am extremely satisfied with the overall implementation and the results achieved. Read more

Zarko Bozovic (RTCG) mobility grant experience visual © Zarko Bozovic © Zarko Bozovic

Warriors on the Edge of the Empire - Documentary Series

"Warriors on the Edge of the Empire" is a regional co-production developed within the Innovation Media Minds program, bringing together the public broadcasters Radio and Television of Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (RTVFBiH) and Radio and Television of Vojvodina (RTV Vojvodina). It explores ancient military equipment—defensive gear and weapons—as well as archaeological artifacts, using them as an entry point into a broader narrative about the cultural and historical heritage of the Western Balkans. Read more

Warriors on the Edge of the Empire - Promotional visual RTVFBiH / RTV RTVFBiH / RTV

What Scandinavian Public Broadcasters Understand About Young Audiences

During a professional mobility visit to Sweden and Denmark, Trendeline Bucolli explored how Scandinavian public broadcasters are responding to this transformation, particularly how they approach younger audiences in an increasingly fragmented digital environment. Read more
 

Trendeline Bucolli - mobility grant experience © Trendeline Bucolli © Trendeline Bucolli

More Than a Visit: My Experience at RTV Slovenia

During my visit, I had the chance to see up close how the regional centre works on a daily basis. I learned more about its organisational structure, editorial processes, and newsroom routines, and I followed different stages of content production, from the initial planning to the final radio and television broadcast. Read more 

Jelena Radakovic job shadowing experience at RTV Slovenia © Jelena Radakovic © Jelena Radakovic

Strengthening Documentary and Digital Production Capacities at RTVFBiH

Equipment acquired through a Innovation. Media. Minds grant has significantly enhanced the production capacities of Radio and Television of Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (RTVFBiH) and is now used across all segments of program creation. Read more

RTVFBiH - Innovation project grant © RTVFBiH © RTVFBiH

Learning new skills from big media system

Going to the public service of another country was not unfamiliar to me, but going to Germany and getting to know the work process of the Documentary Program of Deutsche Welle Television is a completely new and pleasant experience. Read more

Slobodan Doknic - Job shadowing at DW © Slobodan Doknic © Slobodan Doknic

Creativity Factory’s “Mind Matters”: Where Youth Voices and Mental Health Meet

The project Mind Matters: Stories of Youth and Mental Health through the podcast series Umologija and accompanying multimedia formats created a safe space for personal testimonies, reflection, and public dialogue, contributing to the destigmatization of mental health and strengthening media literacy among audiences. Read more

Umologija Podcast - Creativity Factory © Creativity Factory © Creativity Factory

A Week in Bratislava: A Step Towards Professional Growth

On Sunday, March 8—International Women's Day—what began as a symbolic date soon turned into a deeply personal milestone: my first solo journey abroad. If you had asked me whether I was nervous, I would have answered without hesitation—yes. Even though I was traveling to a country I knew well, one I had visited for years with a folklore group, this time felt different. Read more

A Week in Bratislava: A Step Towards Professional Growth © Andrea Mihalj © Andrea Mihalj

From Sofia to Tampere

When you work in television production, especially on big music and entertainment events, you eventually realise two things. First, the audience only sees a very small part of what is really happening. And second, behind every “effortless” TV moment there are actually a lot of people, details, pressure, coordination, and last-minute problem solving. That is exactly why this job shadowing experience meant so much to me. Read more 
 

From Sofia to Tampere: three stops, a lot of impressions in high notes, and even more ideas to bring back home © Vladana Vucinic © Vladana Vucinic

Climate change is reducing vineyard areas

See how climate change is shaping the future of North Macedonian viticulture. In recent years, North Macedonia has lost over 8,000 hectares of vineyards, with extreme heat, prolonged droughts, and erratic rainfall seriously affecting grape yield and quality. Read more
 

Climate Change Is Reducing Vineyard Areas in North Macedonia © Vidi Vaka © Vidi Vaka

Advancing competencies in media

As part of the grant titled “The international mobility grants second call for employees of Western Balkan public service broadcasters”, I had the opportunity to acquire new knowledge and practical skills in post-production, video and audio editing, animation, and digitalization, as well as to explore innovative working models and successful operational processes in the fields of media, technology, and artificial intelligence. Read more

Emir Basic International Mobility grant success story_visual © Emir Basic © Emir Basic

Passion of preserving AV & media content

After more than two decades working on the production side of media, I embarked on a three‑month mobility that opened a completely new professional chapter for me: the world of audiovisual archives. Read more

FIAT/IFTA Conference Rome © FIAT/IFTA © FIAT/IFTA

The ecological cost of textile waste in North Macedonia

Every year, 35.000 tons of textile waste are generated in North Macedonia - which is enough to fill the North Macedonia’s Parliament building six times with discarded clothes. But how is the country dealing with its textile waste? Read more 

The ecological cost of textile waste in North Macedonia documentary © Vidi Vaka © Vidi Vaka

First steps in creating inclusive TV fairy tales: Actors breathe life into stories

Creating inclusive content (for children with hearing impairments) begins long before the cameras start rolling. It starts through the joint work of screenwriters, directors, actors, and sign language experts who are dedicated to even the smallest details of this process. Read more

Creative Industries Cluster of Vojvodina inclusive fairy tales © Creative Industries Cluster of Vojvodina © Creative Industries Cluster of Vojvodina

Ljubljana, Bonn, Dublin: Mobility that shaped my perspective on HR and diversity

Over the past two months, Tea Kuzic had the opportunity to take part in a professional mobility program that led her to Slovenia, Germany, and Ireland. Each country offered a unique experience that deepened her understanding of human resources, learning and development, and diversity within the media. Read more
 

Tea Kuzic International mobility grant © Tea Kuzic / Goethe-Institut © Tea Kuzic / Goethe-Institut

Horizon 2030 Project

In today’s world of constant change and overwhelming disinformation, facts matter more than ever. Geopolitics, democracy, security, and the rule of law are being redefined—and the time to grasp these transformations is now. SEETV team dives deep into the questions on the EU integrations in the Western Balkans. Read more 

SEETV Website Visual © SEETV © SEETV

Experience I Can Apply in My Newsroom - Job Shadowing at HRT

As part of a relatively young social media team at Radio and Television of Montenegro (RTCG), I wanted to learn how to improve our work—and my stay in Zagreb made that possible. Within the grant, I searched for a media outlet with a similar workflow that has similar challenges as we do at RTCG. I chose HRT, and my choice was right. Read more
 

Ozren Zogovic Mobility Grant Experience Visual © Ozren Zogovic / Goethe-Institut © Ozren Zogovic / Goethe-Institut

Documentary film 'Me sem Aida'

“Me Sem Aida” is a TV documentary about Aida Vehabovic, a third-year student at the Acting Department of the Academy of Dramatic Arts in Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina. She is one of the few Roma women who decided to dedicate her life to this profession. Read more
 

Me Sem Aida_BHRT documentary © BHRT © BHRT

Sound of Facts: Demystifying Disinformation Podcast

The project “Sound of Facts: Demystifying Disinformation”, implemented by the Novi Sad School of Journalism, introduced an innovative radio format for fact-checking. Traditionally written content was transformed into interactive radio episodes specifically designed to engage a younger audience. Read more

Novi Sad School of Journalism project visual © FakeNews Tragac © FakeNews Tragac

Blending Creativity, Design, and Journalism at IPI Vienna

When I was given the opportunity through the Innovation. Media. Minds programme to choose between several workshops and congresses, I immediately knew which one I wanted to attend: the IPI World Congress & Media Innovation Festival 2025 in Vienna. Read more 
 

Roana Balillari success story visual © Ronja Koskinen - IPI / Goethe-Institut © Ronja Koskinen - IPI / Goethe-Institut

BHRT Documentary film „The Fate of Minorities“

Radio and Television of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BHRT) premiered the documentary film “The Fate of Minorities” on Saturday, November 1, at 6 PM. The film was created as part of the series “Life of Minorities,” produced with the support of the European Union. Read more
 

BHRT Documentary film „The Fate of Minorities“ © BHRT © BHRT

Sometimes, the most valuable lessons in journalism come when you step outside your newsroom

When Shkumbin Osmanaj first arrived at the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation (CyBC), he didn’t know exactly what to expect. Shkumbin was eager, curious, and ready to explore how another public broadcaster works - especially in a country so full of history, diversity, and contrasts like Cyprus. Read more

 

Shkumbin Osmanaj visual © Shkumbin Osmanaj © Shkumbin Osmanaj

Reporting the Future: Lessons from the Weekend Media Festival 18.

Rovinj — with its sunlit cobblestone streets, the warm Adriatic air, and the buzz of creative minds — became more than just a festival venue. It became my newsroom, my source of inspiration, my lens into what journalism can become. Read more
 

Natasha visual © Goethe-Institut © Goethe-Institut

Wastewater Treatment Plant Sets a Green Example

For the past two years, farmers in town Kočani have been exchanging rice straw for fertilizer at the Wastewater Treatment Plant — a solution that reduces pollution. Read more

Waste water Kocani © Vidi Vaka © Vidi Vaka

AI, Ethics, and the Future of Media: Reflections from Weekend.18 in Rovinj

Weekend.18 proved to be much more than just a gathering of professionals. It was a dynamic platform for dialogue, inspiration, and collaboration – a space where different disciplines intersected and future trends were explored from multiple perspectives. Read more

Viktorija visual © Goethe-Institut © Goethe-Institut

The documentary film "Bridges of diversity"

Radio and Television of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BHRT) proudly presents the documentary film “Bridges of Diversity”, which explores the status and everyday life of national minorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It covers topics such as educational challenges, cultural heritage, linguistic diversity, and artistic expression of national minorities. Read more

BHRT Documentary film „Bridges of Diversity“ © BHRT © BHRT

Unforgettable Experience in Rovinj

In Rovinj, I had a truly unforgettable experience – I attended “Weekend 18,” an event that marked my autumn mood most beautifully. From the very beginning, the atmosphere was full of enthusiasm, positive energy, and creativity. Read more
 

Zdravko Petrushevski_mobility visual © Zdravko Petrushevski © Zdravko Petrushevski

Learning by Doing: My Eight Days at HRT

In early September 2025, Milica Kapa spent eight days at the Croatian Radiotelevision (HRT) in Zagreb within the EU Innovation. Media. Minds. mobility grant. As a journalist working at RTCG (Radio and Television of Montenegro), this short but intense exchange opened new professional horizons for Milica —changing not only how she sees public service journalism, but how to approach it.
 

Mobility at HRT © Milica Kapa © Milica Kapa

Tracking Truth from the Sky Inside Bellingcat’s OSINT Training

Journalist Katerina Topalova joined a group of journalists, researchers, and activists in Amsterdam for a week-long intensive training led by Bellingcat, the investigative collective known for pioneering open-source journalism. The goal: to sharpen their digital investigation skills and learn how to uncover hidden truths using publicly available data. Read the whole story here.

Between Bonn and Berlin: What I Learned About the Future of Journalism

Vedran Prodic recently spent three weeks in Germany for a professional development visit where he had the chance to work with journalists at Deutsche Welle (DW) in Bonn. Later he attended the Re:publica media conference in Berlin. Read his report here. 

Vedran Prodic © Vedran Prodic © Vedran Prodic

Sixteen Western Balkan Public Media Professionals Awarded EU Mobility Grants

Sixteen international mobility grants have been awarded to media professionals from public service broadcasters across the Western Balkans. The grants were allocated following the program’s second open call for international opportunities. Read more

 Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia © Goethe-Institut e.V. © Goethe-Institut e.V.

From Bonn to Warsaw: How European Mobility Strengthened my Media Practice

What happens when you step outside your comfort zone and into the evolving world of media? From the editorial floors of Deutsche Welle in Germany to the vibrant conference spaces of Warsaw, I learned that good media is never just about content—it’s about connection. These mobility experiences challenged how I think, work, and create. They deepened my understanding of digital strategies, cross-cultural collaboration, and audience-focused storytelling. Because real transformation begins when we take the time to truly listen—and when we’re open to learning in unexpected places.

 © Goethe-Institut/ Milorad Vujkov © Goethe-Institut/ Milorad Vujkov

Reporting Real News in Real Time Across Albania

Radio Televizioni Shqiptar (RTSH) has launched a new project titled “Reporting Real News in Real Time”, aimed at modernizing news reporting across Albania through the use of mobile journalism (MoJo) technology.

From Belgrade to Perugia - A Journey of Professional Growth

Over the course of 16 days, I took part in a mobility project that led me through two enriching experiences — an internship at Radio Belgrade 1 in Serbia and participation in the International Journalism Festival in Perugia, Italy. Both phases offered valuable professional insights and significantly shaped my development as a journalist.

Natasa Novosel © Natasa Novosel © Natasa Novosel

Boosting Environmental Journalism in the Western Balkans

By Danijel Garic

My recent professional visit to Zagreb was more than a routine assignment—it was a journey that reinforced the power of cross-border collaboration and the role of journalism in addressing the environmental challenges of our time and the region.

 © Danijel Garic © Danijel Garic

From Sarajevo to Milano Fashion Week: Media Covering of Fashion Journalism

By Zlatan Dzumhur, Journalist/TV host, BHRT

For nine unforgettable days, Milan — chaotic, elegant, and pulsing with creativity — became both my newsroom and my classroom. I arrived during one of the most vibrant times of the year: Milano Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2025. My mission was clear — to understand, observe, and absorb how experienced journalists cover one of the most prestigious events in the fashion world.

Journalism Festival in Perugia and the Future of Media

By Klara Kranjc

For years, Perugia has transformed into the world's journalism hub every April. Thanks to the EU project aimed at public broadcasters in the Western Balkans, "Innovation. Media. Minds." and the support for public service journalists, this year the trends and innovations from this prestigious event reached the O Radio newsroom.

Journalism Festival in Perugia and the Future of Media  © Klara Kranjc © Klara Kranjc

Bridging Technology and Creativity: My Vizrt Training Story from Belgrade

For the past 20 years, I have had the privilege of contributing to the Radio and Television of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BHRT), where I currently lead the Graphics Department. My journey in media production has been rich with experiences in graphics, visual effects and television production. The significant milestone in my professional development was a recent opportunity to participate in a specialized Vizrt software training in Belgrade, as part of my mobility grant within the EU’s Innovation. Media. Minds Program: Support to Public Service Journalism in Western Balkans.

Bridging Technology and Creativity: My Vizrt Training Story from Belgrade Alen Pavic, BHRT Alen Pavic, BHRT

From Pristina to Bonn: Lessons in Responsible Journalism

By Besart Galica, RTK

Spending ten days with the Albanian Language Department at Deutsche Welle (DW) in Bonn, Germany through the EU Innovation. Media. Minds. Program’s International Mobility Grant, provided invaluable insights into ethical reporting practices—particularly on sensitive and tragic events—and reshaped my approach to journalism.
 

From Pristina to Bonn: Lessons in Responsible Journalism Besart Galica, RTK Besart Galica, RTK

From Sarajevo to Zagreb: A Journey of Learning, Collaboration, and Shared Heritage

By Emir Zametica 
The opportunity to visit Croatian National Television (HRT) through the EU Innovation. Media. Minds. Program’s international mobility grant was one I eagerly embraced. Beyond the professional insights I hoped to gain, this visit turned out to be a deeply meaningful experience, connecting me to shared histories and cultures between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia.

From Sarajevo to Zagreb: A Journey of Learning, Collaboration, and Shared Heritage Shutterstock Shutterstock