Liceulice magazine is unique on our media scene, recognised by audiences not only for the quality of its content but also for the added value it provides – Liceulice’s business model includes economic support for people from marginalised groups. In addition to employing people who are on the margins of society for a number of social and economic reasons, we strive to address topics of public interest that are not always in the spotlight or focused on in everyday media – issues such as ecology, social and economic rights, public goods, the rights of people with disabilities, gender-based discrimination, etc.
After 14 years of work and over 100 published issues of the magazine, we know that our approach to journalism – analytical, socially engaged, encouraging civic activism and critical thinking – is valued and recognised as necessary by audiences in the region. At the same time, we are also aware that the media scene is constantly evolving due to technological advancements, making it essential for us to learn and adapt in order to get the most out of new tools and resources and to reach an audience growing up in a new, hyper-connected world. Like many media outlets in the Western Balkans, we are faced with a series of crises that have marked the 21st century, from increasing social polarisation and mistrust, through economic instability and sustainability problems, to a lack of systemic support for the work of the media. However, the role of the media in creating and maintaining democratic and transparent societies remains the same, and the fact that this role has largely shifted toward the domain of social networks and digital journalism must not be ignored.
The primary goal of our Digital Breakthrough project is to engage a wider audience by using new technologies and interactive and multimedia content through social networks and other platforms. Thanks to the support of the Western Balkans Media for Change programme, we have been able to dedicate additional time, attention and resources to adapting our content for a wider and more diverse audience. This includes reaching young people who may be unfamiliar with our print editions and blind and visually impaired individuals who are often deprived of the content and information on our cultural and media scene. The greatest benefit we have received through Western Balkans Media for Change is support for serious and comprehensive work of our newsroom on innovative digital development, collaboration with young designers and content creators, as well as work on the introduction of text-to-speech software that will enable blind and visually impaired people, as well as the elderly and other members of our society, to access our or articles.
It is also of great significance to us that this project has allowed us to enhance our understanding of the digital environment and strengthen our organisational capacity through mentoring and the engagement of a young intern. Systematic training for young journalists has been crucial to us—not only in familiarising them with editorial work and practical media experience but also in instilling our values regarding ethical reporting on marginalised groups, developing an analytical approach to the social and economic context in which news occurs, and promoting positive examples and solutions in journalism. Our stance is that the future and sustainability of media in the Western Balkans will depend on our work with young people.
Dunja Karanović, Liceulice newsroom