Young activists, researchers, and journalists from the Western Balkans and Turkey gathered in Istanbul from October 29-31 for the first “Regional Academy for Future Leaders of Change on Media Literacy and Media Activism”. The event focused on building connections and empowering participants to advance MIL and media activism in their communities. By Hilma Unkić Over two and a half days, 29 young people and media CSO representatives from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Turkey came together to exchange experiences and insights on freedom of expression and media landscapes in their countries. They came to Turkey to discuss shared challenges faced by media professionals in the region and to explore how young people can contribute to strengthening media literacy and supporting free, quality journalism. Hristina Cvetinčanin Knežević, a sociologist, researcher, and gender and media expert from Serbia was among them. Hristina who founded the Instagram page “Feminizam iz teretane” (Feminism from the gym) to promote feminist empowerment, says she would like to use connections and knowledge gained at the Academy to establish her own media outlet.  Photo: Hristina Cvetičanin Knežević “I realized that one of the major issues in Serbia is the lack of a safe space dedicated to informing people about the state of women’s rights in a way that is accessible to everyone, using everyday language and addressing everyday issues”, says Hristina who is also a member of the group Journalists Against Violence Against Women and collaborates with Elle, BIRN, Media Diversity Institute, Mašina, and others as a freelance journalist. In addition to her desire to create a platform for quality reporting on feminist topics, she hopes to establish an outlet that will offer young female journalists the support she lacked at the beginning of her career. “It would be a space where one can learn the journalistic craft without being exploited for it, meaning being paid for the work, all while being guided by feminist values.” Bojan Lazarevski, a youth activist, writer, and researcher from North Macedonia, believes the connections he made in Istanbul will be valuable for his future work. “Because this event includes participants from all Western Balkan countries plus Turkey, a great benefit for the future is the networking. At least I will have contacts from every country that I can reach out to and potentially collaborate with in the future, or if I have specific questions about the situation in any of these countries.” Vital role of youth in defending freedom of expression Regional Academy in Istanbul was organized within the regional Our Media project focused on strengthening the capacities of CSOs, media professionals, young activists and citizens to improve their understanding of trends and challenges regarding media freedom and media integrity in the Western Balkans and Turkey. Maida Muminović, executive director of Mediacentar Sarajevo, lead organization on the project, explains that with the Academy, partner organizations want to create allies in their fight for free and independent media among people from all walks of life and beyond the circles CSOs usually manage to alert and engage over developments related to freedom of expression. “What our participants share is interest in the future of free media, the future of freedom of expression and are open to becoming well-informed advocates for our fundamental right to think and speak freely. Participants of the Academy are young professionals, coming from different educational and professional backgrounds. With us, we have journalists, but also politicians, education workers, activists, influencers.”   Civil society, particularly the youth, plays a vital role in defending freedom of expression in democratically aspiring societies, believes Dunja Mijatović, human rights expert. Mijatović, who was the key speaker at the Academy, explains the various ways in which young voices can advocate for a better media environment: “They can highlight instances of censorship, restrictions, and other forms of suppression of free speech. By leveraging digital platforms and organizing nonviolent protests, they can raise both local and global awareness of pertinent issues and cultivate solidarity for the free expression movement. Young individuals can create safe spaces for open discussions both online and offline.” Skepticism toward traditional media must be considered Bojan, who has extensive experience with youth work and CSOs through volunteering and internship, believes that media CSOs in the region need to be aware of the new trends among new generations. “There are new challenges and perspectives emerging among the younger generation that we need to follow and consider carefully. If we only focus on traditional media, our approaches may become outdated”, says Bojan. Photo: Mijatović was the key speaker at the Academy Additionally, Mijatović believes, traditional media typically lacks the interactive elements that enable viewers to comment, share, and engage directly with content, which are key features on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. “Furthermore, younger generations often view mainstream media with skepticism, citing concerns about bias and the influence of corporate or political interests, and they feel that traditional media often fails to reflect their diverse perspectives, identities, and experiences accurately.” Future Leaders of Change: Next steps Following the event in Istanbul, participants will continue to learn about the concepts of media ethics, challenges to media regulation, gender and media, influence of tech developments on freedom of expression and future of media. Photo: Participants of the Academy “In spring, we will be visiting newsrooms and organisations who have developed advanced practices in the field of mobilizing communities for freedom of expression, and this is something we are very much looking forward to. The whole process is designed to encourage participants to launch their own initiatives on freedom of expression which we will seek to support through the project Our Media”, concludes Muminović.     Co-funded by the European Union The regional program “Our Media: A civil society action to generate media literacy and activism, counter polarisation and promote dialogue” is implemented with the financial support of the European Union by partner organizations SEENPM, Albanian Media Institute, Mediacentar Sarajevo, Press Council of Kosovo, Montenegrin Media Institute, Macedonian Institute for Media, Novi Sad School of Journalism, Peace Institute and Bianet. This article was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of SEENPM and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

The introduction of media literacy in the primary education curriculum and the following plans for inclusion of the concept in the secondary education were some of the topics elaborated at the conference "Media Literacy in Education", organized by the Macedonian Media Institute and IREX as part of the USAID Media Literacy Project "YouThink". MIM and IREX have been cooperating with educational institutions in the past three years in purpose of inclusion of media literacy in the formal education. As a result, media literacy became part of the curricula of grades I-IX in 2021, and over 8,000 teachers from all schools in the country were trained how to organize lessons in this part of the curriculum. The Minister of Education and Science, Vesna Janevska, spoke at the conference and indicated that "media literacy education empowers students to independently make decisions and judgments based on facts. Students acquire skills to critically analyze the content they receive from different sources, to understand it according to the context, to connect it with other information and to be able to assess its quality". According to her, it is important to encourage activities that aim at further improvement of the educational system in the field of media literacy. The USAID Country representative for the Republic of North Macedonia, Jeri Dible, referred to disinformation as a threat that can undermine trust in institutions and democratic values. "Young people who are media literate have the potential to be more engaged, empathetic and responsible citizens. Let's continue to support the development of these important skills and help young people make a positive impact on their communities and on the future of the country”, Dible said. Representatives from Bureau for Development of Education, the State Examination Center and the Macedonian Institute for Media presented the activities implemented in the primary education so far. Ayshe Airulai from the Bureau for Development of Education indicated that students develop critical thinking, communication and digital skills in media literacy classes and learn how to use media content responsibly. She emphasized that it is necessary to continuously strengthen the knowledge and skills of teachers, including the preparation of resources for delivery of classes. Macedonian Institute for Media representative, Vesna Nikodinoska, added that manuals for media literacy are being prepared for teachers, which should help them organize classes in efficient manner. She informed that, with the support of the Project, 80 media clubs were established in primary and secondary schools, where students can learn about journalism and create media products. Beti Lameva from the State Examination Center presented the findings of the national tests of students from 3rd and 5th grades, which indicate that the students should learn how to discern, understand and value media contents, but also to create media messages. "We need to encourage students to think critically, solve problems, apply knowledge in real situations," added Lameva. The research on the level of media literacy among high school students from 1st and 2nd year was presented by the Director of the Agency for Audio and Audiovisual Media Services, Zoran Trajchevski. According to the findings, students used a moderate level of critical thinking, with many of them being able to identify disinformation, but lacking the skills to verify the origin of the online content; they were also proficient in using digital devices but had a limited understanding of the data privacy and security issues. "There is a need for a more thorough integration of media literacy in the educational system, with a focus on practical skills and critical thinking, teacher training, as well as implementing awareness campaigns," Trajchevski pointed out. Dejan Dokuzovski, Director of the "YouThink" Project, spoke about the next steps in terms of inclusion of media literacy in secondary education. He emphasized that this will include media literacy in all levels of formal education, taking into account that eight faculties are already developing modules or electives in this area via the activities implemented by IREX and the Institute for Communication Studies.   This Conference is part of the global manifestation of UNESCO Media Literacy Days, which is organized this year under the motto "Media and information literacy for informing in the public interest".

The Macedonian Institute for Media and partners are announcing an open call for the one-year Regional Academy for Future Leaders of Change on Media Literacy and Activism.  Seven media organisations from Western Balkan and Turkey designed educative programme for citizens, the youth in particular, designed to mentor and empower them to engage in media freedom activism to counter polarisation. We are looking to empower and create allies among young people who care about the future of free media, about the future of freedom of expression and are open to becoming well-informed advocates for our fundamental right to speak freely.  If you are a young activist, CSO leader, active or striving politician, journalist, member of the academic community, social media influencer, education worker and want to use your voice and influence to help advance media freedoms, apply for participation in Academy for Future Leaders of Change! You will gain comprehensive insight into the media environment in your country, Western Balkans region and Turkey; what constitutes the media environment of today, what are the challenges media and journalists are facing and what does it take to overcome them. You will learn of the media and information literacy trends and how media literate citizens advance democracy and rule of law.  The program kicks off with an in-person bootcamp in Istanbul (28 - 31 October 2024), followed by a series of online workshops and sessions. We will take you to the EU countries to learn first-hand about the media, media and freedom of expression trends and challenges which media professionals, experts, legislators expect the future might bring, which we should be working to prepare our region for. The program will encourage and support you in devising your own initiatives aimed at advancing media freedoms in your countries. The Academy will kick off in October 2024 and will last for 12 months.  Participation in the program is free of charge with all costs will be covered by the project partners, thanks to the EU support in implementation of the project.  The advantage in selection will be given to highly motivated individuals who recognize participation in the Academy as a chance to build their knowledge on challenges to media freedoms and consider ways they can contribute to protecting and advancing media freedoms using their platforms of influence and work.  Read more and learn how to apply below. Regional Academy overview The Regional Academy aims to empower a group of young people, future leaders of change to develop the skills and competencies of young leaders to engage in media activism and act on overcoming differences and creating understanding in their fields of activity. This programme will bring together 21 young people of different interests, professions and preoccupations who are predominantly dedicated, primarily to media activism, but also to other different areas of public activity which need media and digital literacy in everyday work.  The purpose of the Academy is, therefore, to train them in a different, innovative, and creative way, both as a group and as individuals, to improve their skills, and adopt new methods and techniques of media activism. Also, to be ready to apply them immediately in everyday practice, at the local and regional level, in public advocacy, creating campaigns, and launching initiatives aimed at improving the situation in the media in the entire region. Program Curriculum The Academy will cover a wide range of topics - both general issues in the media industry as well as specific challenges facing press freedom and independent journalism in the region. Participants will explore the evolving media sphere, examining industry trends, legislation, and policy frameworks - with a focus on how these factors relate to the realization of fundamental human rights and align with European standards. Specific topics will include media regulation and self-regulation, the role of the media in diverse, conflict-prone communities, and the safety challenges journalists face, including direct threats from political and economic elites. The academy will also tackle the scourge of propaganda, manipulation, and fake news production by media outlets under the sway of ruling political and economic powers.  Throughout the program, media experts and experts in advocacy, campaigning, and strategic communication will lead workshops, guiding participants in simulating effective public engagement and awareness-raising tactics to combat these issues. By equipping the next generation of media activists with a robust understanding of the problems and practical skills to enact change, the academy aims to cultivate a cohort of empowered leaders capable of defending media freedom and pluralism in their communities. Who is this Academy for? The Academy is specifically targeting a diverse cohort of young activists, political party/movement members, citizen group representatives, journalists, social media influencers, and students from 21 to 35 years old to participate in this one-year program.  Over a year, 3 representatives from North Macedonia, together with colleagues from Serbia, Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Montenegro, and Turkey, will work on developing skills and competencies necessary for media activism aimed at reducing societal polarization.  To participate in the Academy, candidates must be fluent in English, as it will be the working language of the entire program.  By investing in this diverse group of young citizens - the activists, political actors, community leaders, journalists, and digital influencers - the Academy aims to cultivate a powerful network of empowered media literacy leaders and media activists. With both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, participants will be poised to defend fundamental freedoms, counter disinformation, and safeguard media pluralism in their home countries and across the region. What does the Academy's program include? The Regional Academy includes a comprehensive educational program with four key formats:  A 3-day intensive bootcamp in Istanbul, Turkey, 28 - 31 October 2024 Three online follow-up lectures/workshops, November 2024 - January 2025 One thematic study visit to EU member countries in April or May 2025 Design and implementation of one initiative in their field of engagement - with financial support of 600 EUR gross per participant  Selection of candidates A selection committee will select 3 participants per country for the one-year program. In total, 21 candidates will be selected from all 7 countries.  Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria: Candidates should be young individuals from 21 to 35 years old Active and engaged in their communities Experienced in activist actions Initiators of projects with social impact Participants in public advocacy and campaigns Demonstrating a clear interest in acquiring new knowledge and skills in media literacy and media activism Exhibiting multicultural sensitivity and understanding of diverse perspectives Committed to actively participating in all phases of the program Special attention will be given to ensuring gender balance when forming the participant group. How to apply? Applicants should fill out the Google form, by August 25, 2024.   The Regional Academy is implemented within the project “Our Media: A civil society action to generate media literacy and activism, counter polarisation and promote dialogue” with the financial support of the European Union by partner organizations SEENPM, Albanian Media Institute, Mediacentar Sarajevo, Press Council of Kosovo, Montenegrin Media Institute, Macedonian Institute for Media, Novi Sad School of Journalism, Peace Institute and Bianet.

Journalists, editors and representatives of civil society organisations were part of the study visit to Brussels organised by the Delegation of the European Union in Skopje and the Macedonian Institute for Media in the period 20-23 March. The study visit was designed as an interactive event to share experiences and knowledge regarding EU policies for tackling information manipulation and external influences - FIMI (Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference - FIMI), including disinformation regarding EU enlargement policies with a focus on the situation in North Macedonia and the negotiation process. During the visit, the participants had the opportunity to learn more about EU policies for tackling manipulation of information and external influences against different social groups and reform initiatives, during and before the upcoming elections, as well as the role of the media in tackling FIMI and disinformation. The visit included working sessions with representatives of the European External Action Service, including the Western Balkans StratCom Working Group and Commission directorates (DG NEAR and CNECT). In conversations with representatives of the European Parliamentary Forum, journalists and representatives of civil society organisations learned more about the financiers of religious extremists against human rights related to sexuality and reproductive health in Europe. During a visit to the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), Ricardo Gutiérrez General Secretary presented the organisation’s work and the assistance they provide to journalists facing threats and pressures. At the meeting there was also a discussion about tackling disinformation in the media, as well as the role of ethical and professional journalism in the fight against this negative phenomenon. The journalists in Brussels also met with the EU Ambassador in North Macedonia, David Geer, who was informed about the course of the visit and the importance of such visits for journalists and representatives of the civil sector.

At the annual "Nikola Mladenov 2023" journalism awards competition, the journalist Aleksandar Dimitrievski was awarded the first prize for the Best Investigative Story for the story "From an underwear company to granted oversight of a EUR 1.3 billion project with outsourced experts", which was broadcast on the show "360 Stepeni". The series of texts and supporting videos by the author Dimitrievski reveal serious irregularities in the tender procedure for the selection of oversight body over the largest and most expensive infrastructure project in the history of the country -  construction of highways by the Bechtel-Enka Consortium. By disclosing the intention for rigging the tender for oversight, which should be deemed as the only existing control level over the "secret" construction of corridors 8 and 10 and the spending of EUR 1.3 billion of public money, the journalist showed an exceptional journalistic engagement, thoroughness and systematic approach in analysis and verification of a large number of documents and data related to the contested tend. The second award for Best Research Story was awarded to the journalist Irena Mulacka for the series of articles related to the events at the Oncology Clinic, published in the weekly magazine "Focus". Through these series of texts, the author Mulacka publishes startling data about serious omissions and malpractices in the treatment of patients at the Clinic for Oncology and Radiotherapy. The series of stories expose in full capacity the illegal, unethical and corrupt actions of certain employees of the Clinic, which raises the social alarm and the pressure on the competent institutions to take more decisive steps for prevention of the above actions. Journalist Martin Pushevski is the winner of the third prize for Best investigative story for the series of texts about the struggle of the citizens of the Strumica Valley against the opening of the " Ilovica" mine, published on the "Doma" web portal. The series of articles on "Ilovica" reveals the ways in which the mine came a step closer to obtaining work permits, despite the concerns and reactions of citizens and the professional public about the damage that can be caused to the environment in the Strumica Valley. The team of journalists consisted of Sashka Cvetkovska, Elena Mitrevska Cuckovska, Maja Jovanovska and Ivana Nasteska from the editorial office of the Investigative Reporter’s Laboratory received the award for the Most Innovative Journalistic Product for the investigative documentary "Murder in Tetovo", broadcast on MTV1 and on the IRL website. The investigative documentary film "Murder in Tetovo" redefines journalistic storytelling. It presents in an innovative way the facts and arguments arising from the months-long investigation led by journalists on the causes for one of the biggest accidents in Macedonia, the fire in the modular covid hospital in Tetovo, in which 14 lives were lost. Photojournalist Tomislav Georgiev won the award for the Best Reporter's Photo for the photo "Church", published in the online edition of the weekly magazine "Focus". Commendations for outstanding journalistic engagement in the Best investigative story category were awarded to journalists Mirjana Mirchevska Jovanović, Slavica Filipovska Ivanova and Jasmina Jakimova. The "Vidi Vaka" editorial office and journalist Katerina Topalova were awarded commendations for outstanding journalistic engagement in the category Most Innovative Journalistic Product. This year's competition, announced on January 31 and closed on February 26, 2024, received numerous applications, as follows: 39 stories covered in 175 texts/supporting videos for the Best Research Story category 15 topics covered in 16 texts/supporting videos for the category Most Innovative Journalistic Product 21 photos for the Best Reporter Photo category. The awards for the best investigative story have been traditionally awarded by MIM since 2001. As of 2013, the award bears the name of the well-known respected journalist and owner of the weekly magazine "Focus", Nikola Mladenov. The report of the Commission is attached hereto. Photo gallery of the event is available here COMMISSION’S REPORT ON AWARDING THE JOURNALISM AWARDS "NIKOLA MLADENOV 2023"804.21 KB

Journalists from several national media in the country were part of the study visit to Vienna, organised by the Delegation of the EU and the Macedonian Institute for Media (MIM) in the period 21-23 November. The visit was organised in the context of the Macedonian Chairpersonship of the OSCE in order to better familiarise the journalists with aspects of the co-operation between the EU and the OSCE, including topics related to the activities of the OSCE on media freedom, the spread of disinformation as a security threat, manipulation of information, elements of external influences in the region and hybrid threats. They also discussed the expectations from the upcoming 30th Ministerial Council of the OSCE in Skopje and the effects of the decisions that should be made, as well as a series of current issues related to the European integration process of our country. Journalists had the opportunity to meet and talk with relevant representatives of several governmental, intergovernmental and international media organisations based in Vienna. Extremely useful and productive discussions were held at the meetings with the ambassador at the Permanent Representation of the EU to the OSCE, Rasa Ostrauskaite, and the Head of Mission at the Permanent Mission of North Macedonia to the OSCE Igor Djundev and his team. In a conversation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Austria, Alexander Schallenberg and other senior representatives of the ministry, the importance of fulfilling the agreed obligations of the country in order to successfully continue the European integration process was emphasised, and other current issues in the domain of the regional and international politics were also discussed. The team of journalists from North Macedonia also had a meeting with the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Teresa Ribeiro, who was informed about the current developments that infringe the principles of media freedom in the country, as well as about the challenges the sector is facing. At the meeting with the International Press Institute (IPI), director Frane Maroevic and his team informed the journalists about their activities in the region and beyond, as well as the assistance they provide to journalists facing threats and pressures. The visit to the Austrian Public Broadcaster - ORF was an excellent opportunity for journalists to familiarise themselves with the standards and working conditions in this organisation, which is a leading media and a highly relevant source of information for Austrian citizens.

The primary focus of the three-year project Our Media is on strengthening the capacities of CSOs, media professionals, young activists and citizens to improve their understanding of trends and challenges regarding media freedom and media integrity as well as media development and sustainability in the Western Balkans and Turkey. Our Media is being implemented with the financial support of the European Union, in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Turkey, by partner organizations SEENPM, Albanian Media Institute, Mediacentar Sarajevo, Press Council of Kosovo, Montenegrin Media Institute, Macedonian Institute for Media, Novi Sad School of Journalism, Peace Institute and Bianet. The project opens with research activities that will seek to identify the main trends, risks and opportunities for media sustainability in the region, and map good practices in media activism in support of media freedom and media and information literacy (MIL). The research findings will be used to strengthen capacities of media CSOs and other stakeholders for addressing challenges in media sector. Professional capacity of journalists, media outlets and media institutions will be addressed through targeted advocacy activities and engagement in national MIL coalitions. Through media activism, local and national media and other actors will be challenged to address gender inequalities in the media. Young leaders will be empowered to challenge harmful policies and practices, counter discrimination and gender stereotypes, and promote gender equality through their future work. Through financial support to CSOs in urban and rural areas, the project will reach out to local communities with a view to advancing MIL skills of citizens, promoting media freedom and integrity and countering polarisation that stems from propaganda, hate speech and disinformation. The Project in Numbers 200 CSO representatives will be directly empowered to generate effective MIL practices and at least 18 CSOs in urban and rural areas in six countries will be supported to reach out locally and create MIL actions. 70 media professionals and representatives of self-regulatory bodies will learn about the state of self-regulation in their countries and the WB region, and how to advance codes of ethics and self-regulation standards/practices. 15.000 young people will take part in and learn through interactive MIL quizzes; at least 500 will be empowered in national MIL coalition actions. 21 young people (activists, youth workers, educators, journalists, young politicians) will improve competence for media literacy and activism, including topics like media freedom and integrity, political economy of media, media ecology, digital participation.    Funded by the European Union The regional program “Our Media: A civil society action to generate media literacy and activism, counter polarisation and promote dialogue” is implemented with the financial support of the European Union by partner organizations SEENPM, Albanian Media Institute, Mediacentar Sarajevo, Press Council of Kosovo, Montenegrin Media Institute, Macedonian Institute for Media, Novi Sad School of Journalism, Peace Institute and Bianet. This article was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of SEENPM and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

The team of journalists Sashka Cvetkovska, Elena Mitrevska Cuckovska, and Maja Jovanovska, from the Investigative Reporting laboratory (IRL), won the award for Best Investigative Story at this year’s Nikola Mladenov Journalism Awards 2022, for the story Dirty Blood, published on the National Public Broadcaster MTV 1 and on the website of IRL. The story discloses worrying data on how patients were treated in one of the private hospitals in the country during the covid-19 pandemic. The journalistic product contains thorough journalistic research supported by facts, evidence, and statements from many relevant sources and interviewees. The problem is explained in an understandable way, according to professional and ethical journalistic standards, as well as with a commitment to initiate institutional resolve of detected irregularities. The story, which set off an avalanche of reactions in the public, is an example of consistent monitoring of a problem of high public interest, with strong journalistic and team engagement. The journalist Kristina Atovska received the award for Most Innovative Journalistic Product for her report on the war in Ukraine titled Life on the Front Line Trenches broadcasted on the Morning Briefing show on Slobodna TV. The story shows the life of Ukrainian citizens, including children with disabilities, the problems they face and the support they receive from humanitarian organizations and individuals during the war in the country. Using only her mobile phone, without any additional resources or the ability to report with the support of a complete journalistic team, the author allowed the audience to hear, in an authentic and creative way, the voice of those who were on the front lines and those most vulnerable, trying to send an appeal for solidarity and support not only to the domestic, but also to the global public. The Best Photojournalism Award was presented to the photo-reporter Arbnora Memeti for the photo “Rainfall” from Carcinogenic Substances in Tetovo, published on the website of Deutsche Welle in Macedonian. Demonstrating exceptional creativity and esthetic expression, the photo clearly and precisely illustrates the problem with extremely polluted air in Tetovo during last year's fire at the Tobacco Factory. Capturing the drama of the setting, the photo grasps the viewer and sends a clear message about the gravity of the problem and its consequences. This year’s competition included: 16 stories, processed within 77 texts and video stories, in the category Best Investigative Story; 18 topics in the category Most Innovative Journalistic Product; 27 photos in the category Best Reporting Photography/Best Photojournalism; The awards for best investigative journalism stories have been awarded by MIM traditionally since 2001. The awards were named Nikola Mladenov in 2013, after the renowned journalist and owner of the Fokus weekly. In 2021, two more special categories were introduced - Most Innovative Journalistic Product and Best Photojournalism. Photo gallery from the event is available here.

The Head of the Delegation of the European Union, David Geer opened the Glass Room: Misinformation Edition exhibition at the Europe House Skopje last night. The exhibition is a new eye-catching, self-learning installation, consisting of series of posters, interactive apps and animations, which can be hosted in public or private spaces and visited online. The event was co-organised by the Delegation of the European Union and the Macedonian Institute for Media. The exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to learn more about misinformation and the role of internet users in spreading them, as well as business models, designer tactics and user behaviour that contribute to enabling environment for their dissemination. Within the exhibition there is also Data Detox Kit, including a section on misinformation, containing concrete steps how to use technology in a smart and responsible way. In addition to the exhibition, there will be several interactive workshops for adults and young people, which will include themes related to the Data Detox Kit. The installation in Skopje will be open to visitors in the next three months. In the course of 2023 it will be hosted by the Europe Houses in Kriva Palanka and Strumica. The exhibition has been developed and curated by Tactical Tech, a Berlin-based international NGO, in collaboration with several European partners and co-funded by the European Union. Since its launch in 2020, the Misinformation Edition has been hosted in 19 countries in Europe, in diverse locations, such as libraries, schools, shop fronts, train stations and is available in more than fifteen languages. The installation has been visited by more than 30,000 in-person guests across Europe, and has reached hundreds of thousands more online. The exhibition was the closing event of the Media Literacy Days 2022, organized by the Media Literacy Network. In this way, our country joins UNESCO's Global Media and Information Literacy Week for the fourth year in a row. Detailed information and exhibition credits are available on this link.