The Regional Forum on the Future of Media and Public Communication in Southeast Europe revitalized dialogue on media freedom and the sustainability of public service journalism at a time of shrinking civic space, growing disinformation, and declining trust in institutions. 

Through a two-day regional conference and a follow-up advocacy campaign, the initiative brought together journalists, editors, educators, and media-freedom advocates from across Southeast Europe to examine emerging challenges and explore practical, cross-border solutions. 

About the Project 

Implemented by the South East European Network for Professionalization of Media (SEENPM) in partnership with Foundation Mediacentar Sarajevo, the project addressed the deepening crisis of democratic communication in the region – marked by political pressure, economic monopolies, legal constraints, and intimidation of journalists. 

The two-day international conference, titled “Our Media”, was held on October 2-3, 2025 at the Faculty of Political Sciences in Sarajevo and gathered over 70 media professionals and civil society representatives dedicated to protecting freedom of expression and promoting media integrity across the Western Balkans and Turkey. 

Structured around three thematic blocks – technological transformation, political and societal pressures, and economic sustainability – the Forum featured plenary discussions, breakout sessions, and intergenerational dialogues between emerging and experienced journalists. The sessions explored topics such as: 

• The impact of AI and digital platforms on journalism; 

• Disinformation, political control, and polarization; 

• Safety of journalists and gender-based threats; 

• Declining advertising markets and media concentration; 

• Education, regulation, and innovation in public communication. 

During the event, participants also discussed the results of a regional study on the future of media and the role of professional journalism in democratization, which highlighted systemic challenges: low salaries, persistent threats, limited representation of women in leadership roles, and declining interest among youth in communication studies. 

In her opening remarks, Maida Muminović, Executive Director of Mediacentar Sarajevo, noted that “civil society organizations working to protect freedom of expression, as well as independent media, are going through a period of increasing pressure and uncertainty.” 
Similarly, Tihomir Loza, Director of SEENPM, emphasized the importance of cross-border solidarity, saying that “Media trends are almost the same across the region – we are facing an uncertain future, which makes it even more important for civil society organizations to connect.” 

Local Impact 

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Forum served as a platform for renewed professional solidarity and public dialogue around media freedom. It highlighted the essential role of independent journalism in safeguarding democratic accountability and open society values. 

Regional Impact 

Through SEENPM’s extensive member network, the Forum promoted collaboration among media outlets, watchdog groups, and civil society organizations. It emphasized the importance of regional solidarity in addressing shared challenges – from SLAPP lawsuits and censorship to digital surveillance and the erosion of media independence. 

As media expert Snježana Milivojević reflected during her presentation, “Technology does not change the world when it first appears, but when everyone starts using it.” Her words captured the essence of the Forum’s message: that collective adaptation, learning, and resilience are key to protecting public interest journalism in an era of rapid technological and political change.