Eastern Europe

Practically all media outlets in Eastern Europe experience significant financial challenges. They struggle with revenue loss from unfair competition practices, political interference, retaliation against independent journalists, and general lack of management skills.

Yet media play a crucial role in providing people with trustful and accurate information amidst the uncertainty and disinformation associated with Russia’s war in Ukraine, and the political turmoil present in several countries in the region. Despite this tough context there are media that retain independent ownership and remain committed to quality journalism, serving the interests of their audience.

Fojo has been engaged in Eastern Europe since the early nineties. In 2023, Fojo concluded a five-year programme which created and supported a cross-regional network of media‑support organisations in eight countries in Eastern and Central Europe. Eastern Europe. Now Fojo support independent media through a regional networking.

What we do

Enhance media sustainability in Eastern Europe by increasing audience engagement, improving content quality, and integrating AI tools into media practices through specialized training, networking, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

Project objectives

1. Elevate professional competence: Equip local and national media in Eastern Europe with advanced skills in AI applications, covering content production, distribution, and media management.
2. Foster collaboration: Build and sustain professional networks to enable the exchange of best practices, experiences, and innovations in AI-driven media workflows.
3. Expand AI adoption: Encourage a broader adoption of AI tools among media organizations, guided by project insights and outputs.

A modular training program offering in-depth sessions, expert consultations, and practical guidance to enhance AI literacy and application across various media functions focusing on AI ethics & regulations, AI in journalism, Content distribution, Media management and Disinformation Detection. Participants will also receive one-on-one consultancy sessions to tailor solutions for their specific needs. Regular online and offline meetings will foster collaboration, allowing participants to share best practices, lessons learned, and common challenges. These interactions aim to build a framework for ethical AI use, create shared rules, and spark joint initiatives across borders.