The event gathered participants from six Southeast European countries - Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Romania and Serbia, alongside representatives from Germany and France. Coming from different media environments, participants brought professional perspectives, with many directly involved in local journalism through their work for regional and local newspapers, radio stations and television channels. This diversity of backgrounds provided an opportunity to approach the subject from different national and professional perspectives.
Local media across the region face a range of difficulties in ensuring financial sustainability and safeguarding their editorial independence. Their relationship with local authorities and other centers of influence can create additional pressure, particularly when independent reporting challenges established interests. At the same time, limited resources and the changing media environment make it increasingly difficult for local outlets to maintain their presence and reach their audiences.
Despite the different national perspectives, participants shared a common concern about the sustainability and independence of local media. The exchange of experiences highlighted the importance of bringing together journalists and media professionals who face similar challenges. Such exchanges create opportunities to learn from one another, identify common approaches and strengthen professional connections across the region.
The two-day conference reaffirmed a central message: the need for local journalism is not something we should have to question; rather, it is something we must continually recognize, defend and reaffirm. Supporting local journalism means protecting not only the diversity of the media landscape, but also the right of civil societies to be informed, represented and heard.