By Sandra Galadjik, RTV

During the first part of my mobility experience at the International Journalism Festival in Perugia, I attended a series of lectures and workshops that significantly deepened my understanding of modern journalism and its challenges. I explored the impact of major movements like Me Too through the Epstein case, learning how journalism can bring important issues back into public awareness. At the same time, I saw how social media plays a double role - helping to amplify survivors voices while also spreading misinformation and harmful content. This highlighted the importance of responsible journalism in covering sensitive topics.

Another key focus was on building trust and credibility in journalism. I learned how major media outlets are adapting to new platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram by using more conversational and engaging storytelling styles. Adding personality, humor, and relatable language can make news more accessible, especially to younger audiences, without losing its accuracy. I also discovered how audience interaction, such as being tagged in comments to fact-check information. It can strengthen the relationship between journalists and the public.

The topic of media freedom emphasized the importance of controlling narratives and maintaining independence, as well as building strong international networks among journalists for support and security.

A major part of the experience was dedicated to the use of AI tools in journalism. I was introduced to tools like Gemini and NotebookLM, which can support research, content creation, and data analysis. However, a key takeaway was that AI should be used as a partner, not a source of truth - verification of information remains essential. These tools can speed up work processes, but critical thinking and factchecking are still fundamental.
 

I also learned practical strategies for turning ideas into actionable projects within a newsroom. This included defining problems clearly, setting realistic goals, and focusing on sustainable solutions rather than quick fixes. Communication and critical thinking within teams were emphasized as essential skills.
The workshop on psychological safety highlighted the emotional challenges journalists face, especially when reporting on traumatic events. I learned that journalists are often “trauma workers,” and that teamwork, emotional awareness, and supportive environments are crucial for maintaining well-being and resilience.

Finally, sessions on covering civil unrest taught me the importance of safety, preparation, and purpose in the field. Journalists must assess risks carefully, prioritize their well-being, and approach each assignment with clear goals and planning.

Overall, this part of my mobility was extremely valuable because it combined practical skills, new technologies, and deeper reflections on the ethical and emotional aspects of journalism. It helped me better understand how to adapt to the evolving media landscape while maintaining professional integrity and personal resilience.

Content Europe in Lisbon/Portugal was the second location during my mobility, continuing my professional development journey in the international media environment. The event is an important European platform focused on content distribution, co-productions, and emerging trends in television, documentary filmmaking, and digital storytelling. For me as a journalist, attending this event was extremely valuable. It offered direct access to key industry professionals, insight into current editorial and production trends, and opportunities to build meaningful international connections. It also helped me better understand how content is created, financed, and distributed across different European markets - knowledge that is essential for shaping relevant and competitive journalistic output. During the day, I met several important professionals and explored potential collaborations. I met Dragan Petrović, who is connected with Voyo. He works with Slovak and Czech films and has prior experience collaborating with RTV. We discussed staying in contact and exploring future cooperation opportunities, particularly around content exchange and distribution.

I attended a masterclass: “Pitching in the AI Era – How to Cut Through”, which focused on how artificial intelligence is changing the way stories are developed and presented. The session provided practical strategies on how to make pitches more compelling in an increasingly competitive and tech-driven media environment. This is especially relevant for journalism, where clarity, originality, and strong storytelling are key.

In my meeting with Juan from Jambika, we discussed possible collaboration opportunities. I was introduced to their documentary portfolio, which gave me insight into different storytelling approaches and production styles that could be relevant for future editorial projects.

I also connected with Sarah, who works for a French distribution company specializing in green, science, and lifestyle documentaries and magazines. We scheduled a follow-up meeting to discuss our editorial needs in more detail. This connection is particularly valuable, as it opens access to high-quality, thematically relevant content that aligns with current audience interests in sustainability and science.

I met Andrea, a Slovak professional working internationally. We agreed on potential collaboration, and she is currently also working with RTS. She plans to visit Novi Sad and also come to RTV, which creates a concrete opportunity to strengthen professional ties and develop joint projects.

I also met Tanja, originally from Sarajevo, who works in the French market. She presented Slovak films and series from her portfolio and explained how formats are developed and adapted for different audiences. She also shared insights into current industry trends, including what types of content are in demand and how storytelling formats are evolving.

As the second stop of my mobility, Content Europe in Lisbon significantly enriched my overall experience. Beyond the scheduled meetings, the event provided a broader understanding of European media ecosystems, insight into current trends such as AI in storytelling and format development, and access to international content that could enrich our programming. Networking opportunities can lead to long-term collaborations, so this experience strengthened my ability to identify relevant content, build partnerships, and bring fresh, high-quality ideas into my editorial work, while also expanding my international professional network.

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 article are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.