This joint workshop by Pikasa Analytics and Democracy Lab highlighted how AI-powered media analysis, real-time narrative monitoring, and advanced social media monitoring tools provided by the Analytics.Live platform can help identify disinformation patterns, strengthen media transparency, and support democratic resilience across the region.

Evidence-Based Monitoring for Stronger Democracies

Pikasa Analytics and Democracy Lab hosted a collaborative presentation and workshop dedicated to strengthening democratic processes through evidence-based monitoring of media ecosystems, online narratives, and disinformation trends. The session showcased how data analytics for media and real-time media monitoring tools support journalists, civil society organizations, and policymakers in understanding evolving information environments.

The event opened with remarks from Sefer Selimi, who emphasized the importance of data-driven research and regional cooperation in addressing political polarization, information manipulation, and shrinking civic space. His message underscored the need for technology-driven solutions and cross-sector collaboration to safeguard democratic institutions.

Methodology: From Classification to Risk Assessment

Natasha Dimova presented Pikasa’s analytical methodology, explaining how the team monitors media content across traditional and digital platforms using a hybrid model that combines machine learning with expert manual review. This approach is central to Pikasa’s AI-powered media analysis and media sentiment evaluation.

She introduced key components of the framework, including:

Content classification: Organizing media items by topic and discourse type.

Narrative detection: Identifying how narratives originate and spread across platforms.

Risk-based evaluation: Detecting harmful patterns, manipulation techniques, and foreign influence attempts.

Narrative Watch: Real-Time Narrative Monitoring

Next, Aleksandar Cekov introduced Narrative Watch, Pikasa’s real-time monitoring module built on the Analytics.Live platform. He demonstrated how the system tracks emerging narratives, structures content, and detects early signals of coordinated disinformation efforts.

This tool is essential for journalists, civil society actors, and institutions seeking timely insights into narrative amplification and cross-platform dissemination.

Preliminary Findings: Narratives and Amplification Patterns

Edlira Palloshi Disha presented early findings from the joint monitoring initiative, showcasing key narratives, their amplification dynamics, and the actors involved in their spread. Her analysis highlighted vulnerabilities within the media landscape, while also identifying opportunities for targeted interventions and capacity building.

These insights demonstrate how real-time media monitoring and data-driven analysis can support stronger and more resilient information ecosystems.

Perspectives from Journalists and Civil Society

The workshop gathered investigative journalists and civil society representatives who engaged in discussions on narrative manipulation, online hate, fact-checking challenges, and media transparency. Their contributions contextualized the findings and highlighted the importance of combining analytical tools with on-the-ground expertise.

A Shared Commitment to Democratic Resilience

Pikasa Analytics and Democracy Lab concluded the workshop by reaffirming their commitment to supporting democratic institutions, independent media, and civil society. Through AI-powered media analysis, media coverage analytics, and collaborative regional initiatives, both organizations aim to enhance information integrity and promote a more transparent media environment.