Reporting the Future: Lessons from the Weekend Media Festival 18.
Reporting the Future: Lessons from the Weekend Media Festival 18.
By Natasha Grkova-Petrushevska
During three intense, inspiring days, 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.
I’m Natasha Grkova-Petrushevska, and this was my experience at the Weekend Media Festival 18.
I joined workshops on multimedia storytelling, data journalism, and audience engagement tools I had only read about before.
One session, in particular, stayed with me — when veteran journalists spoke about the responsibility we carry when reporting in a polarized world. That moment changed something in me. It helped me commit even more deeply — not only to what I report, but how I report it: transparently, thoughtfully, and ethically.
We exchanged stories about successes and challenges, small victories and big dilemmas. Through those conversations, I learned how others are using new formats — podcasts, visual essays, cross-border collaborations — and what truly resonates with their audiences.
I also had the chance to personally speak with Mojmira Pastorčić, a host whose work I’ve long admired. Her advice — both practical and philosophical — still echoes in me: listen more, follow complexity, and have the courage to ask difficult questions.
I began to experiment — incorporating data for greater depth, rethinking my interview approach to include more diverse perspectives, and challenging myself to produce faster without sacrificing integrity. With my audience, I shared not only the results but also the process. I believe that the power of a story grows when people see how it’s made — the choices, the risks, and the steps behind it.
Looking ahead, I want to keep that momentum alive: to mentor young journalists at home, to advocate for thoughtful and courageous journalism, to experiment with new formats, and to tell stories that truly matter.
And perhaps most importantly — to never forget: every story is an opportunity — to illuminate, to question, to connect.
Funded by the European Union, the Innovation. Media. Minds Program: Support to Public Service Journalism in the Western Balkans, is managed by the Goethe-Institut on behalf of the European Commission and in collaboration with its implementing partner DW Akademie. The contents of this story are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.
During three intense, inspiring days, 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.
I’m Natasha Grkova-Petrushevska, and this was my experience at the Weekend Media Festival 18.
A Mission with Purpose
I arrived at the festival with a clear goal: to deepen my journalistic craft, to build new connections, and to closely observe how leading voices in the media shape stories in times of change. As a TV journalist, I often ask myself:- How can a story stay fresh?
- How can we balance speed with depth?
- What are the new tools, ethics, and mindsets that matter most today?
Immersed in Panels and Conversations
From the first lecture to the last late-night talk, the festival pulsed with energy. I attended sessions where journalists discussed trust in the media and the power of storytelling in an age of fragmentation.I joined workshops on multimedia storytelling, data journalism, and audience engagement tools I had only read about before.
One session, in particular, stayed with me — when veteran journalists spoke about the responsibility we carry when reporting in a polarized world. That moment changed something in me. It helped me commit even more deeply — not only to what I report, but how I report it: transparently, thoughtfully, and ethically.
Behind the Scenes: Building Connections and Perspective
The most valuable lessons didn’t come only from the official program. Over coffee breaks and hallway chats, I met journalists from across the Balkans and beyond.We exchanged stories about successes and challenges, small victories and big dilemmas. Through those conversations, I learned how others are using new formats — podcasts, visual essays, cross-border collaborations — and what truly resonates with their audiences.
I also had the chance to personally speak with Mojmira Pastorčić, a host whose work I’ve long admired. Her advice — both practical and philosophical — still echoes in me: listen more, follow complexity, and have the courage to ask difficult questions.
Putting It into Practice
When I returned to Skopje, I didn’t just bring back notes and photos — I brought back ideas, energy, and a sense of responsibility. I used what I had learned to propose a new series of TV reports focusing on the use of artificial intelligence, integrating multimedia elements and voices from the community.I began to experiment — incorporating data for greater depth, rethinking my interview approach to include more diverse perspectives, and challenging myself to produce faster without sacrificing integrity. With my audience, I shared not only the results but also the process. I believe that the power of a story grows when people see how it’s made — the choices, the risks, and the steps behind it.
Transformation and What Comes Next
The Weekend Media Festival 18 was more than a conference. It was a turning point. I feel more connected — to my profession, my colleagues, and the possibilities of journalism.I feel more prepared — with tools, methods, confidence, and inspiration.
And perhaps most importantly — to never forget: every story is an opportunity — to illuminate, to question, to connect.
Funded by the European Union, the Innovation. Media. Minds Program: Support to Public Service Journalism in the Western Balkans, is managed by the Goethe-Institut on behalf of the European Commission and in collaboration with its implementing partner DW Akademie. The contents of this story are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.