Independent media need more than strong stories to reach their audiences. Pikasa Analytics is opening applications for 18 digital media outlets in the Western Balkans to join its Media Resource Center, a 12-month programme offering audience research, digital transformation and editorial support.

For small newsrooms, understanding audience behaviour, improving digital tools and developing new content formats can stretch limited resources. The Media Resource Center brings these areas of support together, giving selected organisations access to analytics and practical guidance that many cannot afford on their own.

Apply by 3 November 2026. Applications can be submitted in English or your local language by email to [email protected].

Implemented with the support of the #SustainMedia programme, the initiative covers North Macedonia, Serbia, Kosovo, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Albania.

Who is the open call for?

We welcome independent, public-interest organisations with a digital presence, including:

• Local and regional online news portals.
• Community media and citizen-journalism platforms.
• Investigative, fact-checking and media-monitoring outlets.
• Podcasts and content creators on platforms such as YouTube and Instagram.

What selected media outlets will receive

The programme combines tools, individual support and peer learning to help participating teams understand their audiences, strengthen their digital operations and develop their editorial work.

Eligibility requirements

To be considered, applicants must meet all five requirements:

1. Be a media organisation or initiative publishing relevant media content in one of the six Western Balkan economies.
2. Have a basic online presence through a website or active social media channels.
3. Show commitment to quality journalism and editorial independence, and publish content in the public interest, such as governance, accountability and community information.
4. Be ready to share basic audience and website data for the baseline study and needs assessment.
5. Name a contact person responsible for communication.

Outlets owned by public authorities, or those publishing content that promotes hate speech or disinformation, are not eligible.

How applicants will be selected

Applications will be scored against five criteria: need for external support; commitment to quality journalism and editorial independence; public-interest orientation; digital presence; and geographic diversity. A reserve list will be maintained for each country in case a selected outlet withdraws.

How to apply

Send your application in English or your local language to [email protected] by 3 November 2026.

Email subject: Media Resource Center – Application

Include the following:

1. A short profile of your organisation or initiative: legal name, country, year founded, team size, ownership, main topics and audience.
2. Proof of legal status if you are a registered media organisation.
3. A motivation letter of up to one page explaining your main challenges and what you want to achieve with the programme.
4. Your contact person’s details: name, role, email address and phone number.

Key dates

For questions about the call, contact [email protected].

This call has been prepared with the support of the #SustainMedia programme, co-funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. The programme is implemented by GIZ and DW Akademie.