Media4Change https://www.media4change.co/ Thu, 26 Mar 2026 19:18:14 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 The Living Library is building a volunteer team that believes in the power of conversation https://www.media4change.co/living-library-is-building-volunteer-team-that-believes-in-conversation/ Thu, 12 Mar 2026 08:25:39 +0000 https://www.media4change.co/?p=27458 In a world where polarization is growing and many voices remain unheard, the Living Library is bringing together a team to create new spaces for conversation.

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We invite people who are just beginning their professional or civic journey and would like to help the Living Library events take place, as well as professionals with specific knowledge and experience who could contribute to the growth and development of this initiative.

At the moment, we invite people to join the Living Library on a volunteer basis. However, we see this team as a community that helps shape the future of the initiative. Over time, some roles may evolve into longer-term collaboration or professional partnerships.

We are especially looking for people working in or interested in the following areas:

  • communication
  • strategy
  • human resources
  • event organization
  • digital product and experience design
  • international partnerships and global development
  • sustainability, social business models, and fundraising

🌍 You can join from anywhere

Although the Living Library is currently based in Lithuania and most face-to-face conversations take place here, it is also possible to contribute remotely. We therefore invite people living or working outside Lithuania to join as well.

There are many ways to contribute to the initiative: helping organize events in Lithuania, developing digital experiences and virtual meetings, working on strategy, partnerships, or fundraising, as well as contributing to international events and the long-term development of the method.

We are looking for people who can help this initiative grow and expand its impact—especially in places where journalism is weakening, democratic spaces are shrinking, and the voices of marginalized communities are heard less and less.

This year, the Living Library is entering a new phase. We are exploring new forms, missions, and spaces. At the same time, the core activity of the initiative remains just as important, which means there is also a place for those who help the Living Library run its events—librarians and event coordinators.


What is the Living Library?

The Living Library is a method where people become “living books,” sharing their personal stories in direct, face-to-face conversations.

It creates an opportunity to safely and openly encounter experiences that often remain beyond headlines, stereotypes, or public debates.

For 19 years, the Living Library has helped people meet and talk in Lithuania. Today we aim not only to continue this work but also to adapt the initiative to a stage in which societies are increasingly divided and real encounters between different lived experiences are becoming rarer.

As the Living Library approaches its 20th anniversary, we want to mark this milestone meaningfully by bringing together people who will help the initiative run, grow, and evolve.


Why do people join?

Some people join because they are drawn to the Living Library format and the power of real conversations.

Others join because they are looking for meaningful volunteering and a community.

And some join because they see the broader potential of this initiative and want to help ensure that the Living Library can operate in places where journalism is weakening, democratic spaces are shrinking, and it is becoming harder for people to be heard.


Why does this matter now?

Creating safe spaces for dialogue today is not easy. Public discourse increasingly encourages people to choose sides rather than try to understand where different perspectives come from. Discussions leave less and less room for curiosity and questions, and more room for quick judgments and labels.

Polarization not only grows between opposing groups. Sometimes it also emerges among people who share the same values—human rights, democracy, or social justice. When conversations become dominated by quick moral judgments or stereotypes, people often feel misunderstood, excluded, or dismissed. In such situations, differences in opinion deepen and trust between groups erodes.

Research shows that people respond to narratives not only based on whether they are factually correct, but also on how strongly those narratives resonate with their identity, experiences, or need to be heard. When this need for recognition remains unmet, polarization increases and the space for manipulation and disinformation expands.

The Living Library seeks to create different kinds of spaces—places where people can talk about complex issues, pause, listen, and try to understand what lies behind different experiences and perspectives.

Understanding does not mean agreeing with everything. But it helps reveal the fears, beliefs, and conflicts that shape people’s views, prevents communities from withdrawing into closed camps, and opens possibilities for societies to search for solutions together.

The Living Library creates exactly these kinds of spaces—where different experiences can meet not through labels or headlines, but through real conversations between people.


Roles we are looking for

Living Library librarians

These are the people who help conversations take place and ensure a safe space for dialogue between readers and living books.

Responsibilities:

  • introducing the principles of the Living Library to participants
  • helping readers and living books start conversations
  • ensuring conversations remain respectful and safe

What we expect:

  • ability to communicate with different people
  • respect for diversity and human rights
  • ability to listen and remain neutral in conversations
  • responsibility and teamwork

Event and community coordinators

This team supports Living Library events and the growth of the community.

Responsibilities:

  • planning and coordinating Living Library events
  • maintaining communication with living books and participants
  • coordinating volunteers and helping new members integrate
  • supporting the growth of the Living Library community

What we expect:

  • organizational skills
  • initiative and reliability
  • ability to work in a team

Communication and storytelling team

This team helps Living Library stories reach wider audiences.

Responsibilities:

  • sharing Living Library stories on social media and other channels
  • creating content about living books and their experiences
  • contributing to the visibility and engagement of the initiative
  • helping shape communication strategies

What we expect:

  • interest in communication or media
  • ability to create content in different formats
  • sensitivity toward people’s stories

Strategy, partnerships, and development team

This team helps the Living Library grow and expand its impact both in Lithuania and internationally.

Responsibilities:

  • contributing to the initiative’s strategic development
  • identifying partners in Lithuania and abroad
  • building networks with organizations and institutions
  • supporting the international development of the Living Library method
  • identifying new opportunities for growth

What we expect:

  • experience in strategy, partnerships, or project development
  • ability to see the broader impact of the initiative
  • motivation to contribute to systemic change

Digital product and experience creators

This team explores ways to bring the Living Library method into digital environments while preserving its core element—authentic human connections.

Responsibilities:

  • developing digital platforms and tools
  • designing digital experiences that help people discover the Living Library
  • exploring how technology can support dialogue and story accessibility

What we expect:

  • interest in digital product development, UX, or technology
  • creative thinking about technology for social impact
  • ability to work in interdisciplinary teams

Looking beyond

Today the Living Library operates in Lithuania, but many countries face similar challenges.

As journalism weakens, democratic spaces shrink, and information bubbles deepen around the world, the voices of marginalized groups are increasingly unheard.

Our goal is therefore not only to continue this initiative in Lithuania but also to explore ways to apply the Living Library method in other countries where spaces for dialogue are narrowing.

This is a journey in which we will learn together, experiment, and search for ways to make people’s stories more visible and create more opportunities for meaningful conversation.

If this idea resonates with you, we invite you to join.

Joining the Living Library team is currently voluntary, but we see this team as a community shaping the future of the initiative. Over time, some volunteers may also become long-term collaborators.If you can dedicate at least 4 hours per week, please fill in the application form by March 29.
We look forward to getting to know you.

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„Media4Change“ kviečia prisijungti patyrusį Full Stack Web Developer, kuris padėtų kurti ir tobulinti mūsų skaitmenines platformas. https://www.media4change.co/media4change-kviecia-prisijungti-patyrusi-full-stack-web-developer-kuris-padetu-kurti-ir-tobulinti-musu-skaitmenines-platformas/ Tue, 10 Mar 2026 14:45:37 +0000 https://www.media4change.co/?p=27450 „Media4Change“ kviečia prisijungti patyrusį Full Stack Web Developer, kuris padėtų kurti ir tobulinti mūsų skaitmenines platformas.
Dirbsi su projektais, kurie jungia žurnalistus, ekspertus ir bendruomenes bei skatina bendradarbiavimą, žinių dalijimąsi ir aktyvesnį visuomenės įsitraukimą.
Didelė darbo dalis bus susijusi su naujų funkcijų kūrimu ir esamų platformos sprendimų tobulinimu, taip pat su įrankiais, skirtais vartotojų įsitraukimui ir bendruomenės aktyvinimui.

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Ką veiksi?
  • kursi naujas funkcijas mūsų platformoms
  • tobulinsi esamus techninius sprendimus ir spręsi sistemos trūkumus
  • dirbsi su vartotojų įsitraukimą skatinančiomis funkcijomis (pvz., gamifikacija, aktyvumo sekimu)
  • užtikrinsi mobile-first sprendimus
  • bendradarbiausi su projektų vadovu, dizaineriu ir DevOps specialistu

Technologijos

Mūsų platformos kuriamos naudojant:

  • Symfony 5.4
  • Laravel 11
  • Nuxt.js / Vue
  • API pagrindu veikiančią architektūrą

Patirtis dirbant su daugiakalbėmis platformomis būtų didelis privalumas.


Ko tikimės?

  • patirties dirbant kaip Full Stack Web Developer
  • gebėjimo savarankiškai įgyvendinti funkcijas nuo idėjos iki veikiančio sprendimo
  • patirties dirbant su API pagrindu veikiančiomis sistemomis
  • dėmesio UX ir dizaino detalėms
  • mobile-first požiūrio kuriant platformas
  • gebėjimo planuoti darbus ir pateikti realistiškus terminus

Privalumas – patirtis kuriant bendruomenių platformas, gamifikacijos sistemas ar vartotojų įsitraukimo sprendimus.


Ką siūlome?

  • prasmingą darbą, turintį realų poveikį laisvos žurnalistikos ateičiai
  • tarptautinę, atvirą, bendradarbiavimu grįstą komandą
  • erdvę tavo idėjoms ir galimybę jas įgyvendinti
  • darbą su nedidele, bet patyrusia komanda
  • Lankstų nuotolinį darbą
  • 3 mėnesių kontraktą pilnu etatu
  • Iki 45 EUR / val., priklausomai nuo patirties

Kaip kandidatuoti?

Užpildyk šią formą👇: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSedr4zTpwluOosJW-IpwMFGtoOf1BcJszpP_MUb8uDBBUtYKg/viewform?usp=publish-editor

Paraiškų lauksime iki kovo 18d. imtinai

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A New Boost for Local Journalism: LIMENet Announces the Results of Its Collaborative Journalism Grants https://www.media4change.co/a-new-boost-for-local-journalism-limenet-announces-the-results-of-its-collaborative-journalism-grants/ https://www.media4change.co/a-new-boost-for-local-journalism-limenet-announces-the-results-of-its-collaborative-journalism-grants/#respond Tue, 28 Oct 2025 12:04:32 +0000 https://www.media4change.co/?p=27291 Media4Change, together with the European network LIMENet, has announced the first Collaborative Journalism Grants ranking list in Lithuania.
It marks a moment when small newsrooms, independent creators, and civic initiatives take another step closer to their audiences – strengthening trust, resilience, and the voice of local communities.

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➡ Find the full ranking list here

Creative Applications and a Challenging Evaluation Process

The Lithuanian call attracted 31 applications from across the country – from Žemaitija to Visaginas.
Many stood out not only for their professionalism but also for their creativity in engaging audiences and fostering collaboration between different media formats.

Neringa Jurčiukonytė, Director of Media4Change.

“We were genuinely impressed by the quality and creativity of the applications,” says Neringa Jurčiukonytė, Director of Media4Change.

“We can clearly see how regional journalism in Lithuania is growing – it’s bold, exploring new business models, striving for sustainable solutions, and strengthening its ability to remain independent.
This is the true resilience of journalism – the ability to adapt, to learn, and to stay relevant to its audiences.”

According to her, the evaluation committee faced a particularly difficult task – selecting only a few projects from many worthy proposals.

“We couldn’t fund every idea, but many received strong support from the jury. We’ll seek ways to stay connected with these teams – through mentoring, sharing network expertise, or helping them find new partners.

The results inspire us to continue this work and to announce new calls in the future,” adds Jurčiukonytė.

What Comes Next?

The first seven applicants with the highest scores are being invited to sign grant agreements.
Before signing, each project will go through a round of consultations based on recommendations from the international jury – to ensure that every project is sustainable, well-developed, and has a real impact on its audiences.

Among the selected grantees are two national media outlets that embody features of community journalism and are partnering with regional newsrooms to develop new models of collaboration, strengthen local voices, and share editorial and creative expertise.

This once again demonstrates that the strengthening of local journalism grows out of equal dialogue and genuine cooperation.

Stronger Together

LIMENet brings together journalists, newsrooms, and media innovators from six European countries – Belgium, Lithuania, Poland, Hungary, Serbia, and Georgia.

The shared vision of these initiatives is to build stronger, more resilient, and more inclusive local media – capable of working together, sharing knowledge, and rediscovering meaningful connections with their audiences.

The selected Lithuanian projects will take part in a mentorship programme, guided by experienced mentors from around the world who will help them achieve their strategic goals and grow together with their communities.

Media4Change is particularly excited to see that many of the innovations only now being introduced in Lithuania have already been tested in other countries – making it possible to learn faster, more creatively, and, most importantly, to learn from our own experiences rather than from others’ mistakes.

Join the Media4Change Community

Be part of a space where meaningful journalism finds its people.
The Media4Change community, together with LIMENet partners across Europe, connects local newsrooms, creators, experts, and audiences to strengthen trust, resilience, and innovation in journalism.

Here, people come together who care about journalism that makes a difference – journalism that resonates with the needs and aspirations of its audiences.

👉 Join our platform at app.media4change.co and discover a network of peers, mentoring opportunities, and initiatives that help journalism grow together with its communities.

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When Small Shifts Build Deep Connections: What Indrė Kiršaitė Took Home from Innovation Fair https://www.media4change.co/when-small-shifts-build-deep-connections-what-indre-kirsaite-took-home-from-innovation-fair/ https://www.media4change.co/when-small-shifts-build-deep-connections-what-indre-kirsaite-took-home-from-innovation-fair/#respond Mon, 18 Aug 2025 21:18:05 +0000 https://www.media4change.co/?p=26958 How powerful can local journalism be when it truly sees, hears, and reflects its community’s reality?
This question echoed throughout the Innovation Fair in Budapest — an event held under the LIMENet project umbrella, where Media4Change represented Lithuania as a national partner.
Among the participants: Indrė Kiršaitė, representing NARA.

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“I was most inspired by examples of local journalism from across Europe — how it’s possible to build close relationships with an audience, even a small one, respond to local issues, and pursue small but meaningful change.”

When Connection Resets Priorities

While journalist safety has always been an important part of Indrė’s work, the exchange of experiences at the fair encouraged her to reflect on it even more deeply.

“Talking to other journalists helped reinforce the importance of safety and capacity-building in our work.”

These in-person encounters don’t just build networks — they foster solidarity, especially crucial for journalists working in sensitive or high-pressure environments.

When Mentorship Becomes a Roadmap

Editor and journalist at “NARA”

What stayed with Indrė wasn’t just the stories — but also the practical, actionable advice shared by mentors.
From dedicating time to long-term strategy to managing financial independence and using simple tools for financial planning.

“The mentors’ ideas truly resonated — from the reminder to set aside time each week to think about the future of the organization, to concrete examples of how to manage finances.”

When Community Strengthens the Voice

If additional resources were available, Indrė says the biggest impact would come from strengthening the relationship with the audience and creating more structured learning opportunities.

But beyond one organization, she believes the real value lies in what happens when media voices come together.

“So that those voices are heard more clearly.”

Networks like Media4Change offer space for smaller or less visible media to gain support, build confidence, and find pathways to grow — together.

Final Week to Apply for LIMENet Grants

If your newsroom is working toward stronger audience relationships, greater resilience, or journalist safety — the LIMENet grant programme may be the momentum you’ve been waiting for.

  • This is the final week to apply! Deadline: August 25
  • Up to €20,000 in funding available
  • Includes mentorship and access to an international network
  •  🔗 More info and application form

📩 Questions? Reach out: [email protected]


LIMENet is implemented by a consortium led by the Media Diversity Institute Global (Brussels), in cooperation with the Media Diversity Institute Western Balkans (Serbia), Media4Change (Lithuania), and SDRP.EU (Poland).

The LIMENet project is co-funded by the European Union’s Creative Europe programme.

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Surviving and Adapting: What Local Media Can Learn From Each Other  https://www.media4change.co/surviving-and-adapting-what-local-media-can-learn-from-each-other/ https://www.media4change.co/surviving-and-adapting-what-local-media-can-learn-from-each-other/#respond Wed, 06 Aug 2025 06:57:54 +0000 https://www.media4change.co/?p=26876 When the daily grind takes over, pausing to reflect becomes a luxury. But it’s in those rare moments of stepping back that journalists can reset direction, draw inspiration from others, and see the bigger picture.

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One such moment came during the Innovation Fair in Budapest, where Media4Change represented Lithuania. The event brought together local media actors from across Europe – all searching for new, sustainable ways to strengthen independent journalism.

Among the participants was Vaidas Pilkauskas, editor of Kas vyksta Kaune.

“Events like this are energizing – they inspire and give you the strength and ideas to keep moving forward.”

When Pressure Pushes Toward Reinvention

One of Vaidas’ key takeaways came from hearing how media outlets in other countries survive under constant pressure.

“I was inspired by stories of how media organizations manage to survive under political pressure and how they adapt their operational models to stay alive.”

Vaidas Pilkauskas, the editor of the news website “Kas vyksta Kaune”

These examples aren’t just relevant to authoritarian contexts. They invite all journalists to reflect on the limits of their freedom and to seek resilient, creative models that enable long-term survival.

When Unplanned Conversations Make the Biggest Impact

For Vaidas, informal moments with fellow Lithuanian journalists were just as valuable.

“You can get really sharp insights – the kind you wouldn’t find time for if you tried to organize something like this back home.”

In one mentoring session, he happened to overhear plans from local competitors to launch regional news portals – a reminder that even in struggling markets, competition is real and shifting fast.

“It made me rethink where we’re headed.”

When the Audience Becomes More Than a Reader

Another powerful moment came during a session with Dr. Roberto Suárez (South 180), focused on understanding and engaging local audiences.

“He shared insights on how to better understand your audience, work more closely with them, and create value in ways that matter to them.”

This resonated strongly – and inspired Vaidas’ team to invest more energy into their newest project: “Kas vyksta Neringoje”, a news platform tailored for a region they describe as a “news island.”

Change Takes More Than Ideas – It Takes Support

Right now, local and community media across Europe have an opportunity to apply for the LIMENet grant – designed to support growth, experimentation, and sustainability through both funding and expert mentorship.

  • Applications are open until August 25
  • Up to €20,000 in support available
  • Includes international mentorship and peer exchange
  • More info and application form

📩 Questions? Write to: [email protected]

Experiences like these bring journalism back to what matters: not just informing, but staying resilient in the face of growing challenges. 


LIMENet is implemented by a consortium led by the Media Diversity Institute Global (Brussels), in cooperation with the Media Diversity Institute Western Balkans (Serbia), Media4Change (Lithuania), and SDRP.EU (Poland).

The LIMENet project is co-funded by the European Union’s Creative Europe programme.

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What Happens When Community Becomes a Platform: Insights From Innovation Fair https://www.media4change.co/what-happens-when-community-becomes-a-platform-insights-from-innovation-fair/ https://www.media4change.co/what-happens-when-community-becomes-a-platform-insights-from-innovation-fair/#respond Tue, 05 Aug 2025 20:07:30 +0000 https://www.media4change.co/?p=26860 Local media doesn’t just survive — it can grow. By building trust, fostering audience engagement, and being open to new models, even small initiatives can become strong platforms for community voices.
This message echoed throughout the Innovation Fair in Budapest – an international event held under the LIMENet project, where Media4Change actively participated as a national partner.

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Among the participants was Vilija Ramanauskienė, representing Radio FM99.

“I was inspired by stories showing how small, independent media initiatives can become powerful platforms for community voices — maintaining quality content while growing sustainably. ‘Mill Media’ in the UK proved that local journalism can thrive by staying closely connected to its audience.”

Shared Challenges Across Borders

For Vilija, one of the most valuable aspects of the event was exchanging experiences with fellow journalists from across Europe.

“Colleagues face similar challenges — reaching audiences, funding, integrating new technologies. We discussed common themes and potential cross-border projects.”

Among the names that left a strong impression were Douglas Arellanes, David Tvrdon, Peter Erdelyi, Ali Mahmood, and Sebastian Esser — people whose ideas quickly sparked new reflections and future plans.

“The insights helped me see our audience as active community members. I was inspired to explore new forms of engagement — from in-person meetings to interactive content that invites participation.”

Vilija Ramanauskienė, journalist at Radio FM99.

When Journalism Becomes a Bridge

These reflections naturally led to the question: how can this be translated into daily practice?

Vilija shared a vision for what she would implement if her newsroom received support:

“I’d like to build a community engagement model — a platform that connects loyal listeners and offers them added value, encourages investigative journalism, supports local initiatives, and integrates more AI tools into our workflow.”

A Community That Strengthens Journalists

“Small newsrooms are often left alone to face major challenges. But international communities like Media4Change create space to share experiences, receive support, find opportunities for collaboration, and access knowledge that would otherwise be out of reach. Being part of a community strengthens journalists and helps their voices be heard across borders.”

 Thinking About Change? LIMENet Is Still Open for Applications

The LIMENet grant call remains open — a chance for local and community media to move toward meaningful change, with both structure and support.

📩 Questions? Reach out: [email protected]


LIMENet is implemented by a consortium led by the Media Diversity Institute Global (Brussels), in cooperation with the Media Diversity Institute Western Balkans (Serbia), Media4Change (Lithuania), and SDRP.EU (Poland).

The LIMENet project is co-funded by the European Union’s Creative Europe programme.

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We’re looking for a Network Activation Lead responsible for shaping community engagement across borders https://www.media4change.co/were-looking-for-a-network-activation-lead-responsible-for-shaping-community-engagement-across-borders/ https://www.media4change.co/were-looking-for-a-network-activation-lead-responsible-for-shaping-community-engagement-across-borders/#respond Fri, 01 Aug 2025 08:50:18 +0000 https://www.media4change.co/?p=26720 Media4Change is expanding its international network of journalists, experts, civil society actors, and underrepresented voices.
We are looking for someone who will not only coordinate this community but also shape its engagement architecture – from strategic design to daily interaction, from digital solutions to meaningful connection.

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This is more than a job – it is a call to join an international initiative that helps journalism survive where it is being silenced. Together with our team, you will build a vibrant, cross-border community – a space for resilience, learning, and mutual support.

About the project

This position is part of LIMENet (Local Innovative Media in Europe Network) – an international initiative aimed at strengthening local and community-based journalism. In many countries – from Lithuania to Georgia, from Serbia to Hungary – journalists are facing increasing political pressure, financial precarity, and marginalisation in the media landscape.

The community you’ll help shape will not be limited to these countries – it will be open to all those who believe in free and independent media and want to act together.

Your main tool – app.media4change.co

This dynamic international platform will be your main space for community building. There, you will:

  • Share up-to-date learning materials and tools for journalists,
  • Post relevant funding opportunities,
  • Connect journalists, experts, and civil society members for cross-border collaboration,
  • Build a culture of peer support and mutual motivation,
  • Implement gamified elements to foster engagement and community vitality.

Your key responsibilities:

  • Coordinate and activate an international community via app.media4change.co,
  • Foster collaboration among journalists, experts, and civil society across different countries,
  • Develop engagement strategies, support formats, and shape a shared community identity,
  • Use digital tools to support communication and interaction – including newsletters, visual content creation, and information sharing,
  • Contribute to platform development – from concept to implementation
  • Initiate activities that build trust, resilience, and connection among members

What we’re looking for:

  • Experience in coordinating communities, networks, or projects (especially in international settings),
  • Ability to structure processes while remaining adaptive and empathetic,
  • Understanding of journalism’s role in democracy (hands-on journalism experience is a plus, but not required),
  • Creative, strategic thinking with a people-first mindset,
  • Openness to or experience working with digital communication tools – such as newsletter platforms, basic visual design, or content planning tools,
  • Strong command of English (additional languages are a plus),
  • Location-independent – what matters most is your commitment to the mission

What we offer:

  • Meaningful work with real impact on the future of journalism,
  • An open, international, values-driven team,
  • Space for your ideas – and support to make them happen,
  • A chance to shape a platform that truly connects people,
  • Flexible working hours and remote-friendly model,
  • Salary: starting from €2000/month (depending on experience and competencies).

🚀 Start date: September–October 2025

How to apply

📋 Fill out the application form by September 14 (inclusive):
👉 application link

📌 Questions? Contact us at: [email protected]


Useful links:

📎 About us: media4change.co
📥 The home of your future community: app.media4change.co
📚 A project through which you can inspire change:
LIMENET – Local Innovative Media in Europe Network

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From Experience to Action: The Strength of Regional Journalism Lies in Community https://www.media4change.co/from-experience-to-action-the-strength-of-regional-journalism-lies-in-community/ https://www.media4change.co/from-experience-to-action-the-strength-of-regional-journalism-lies-in-community/#respond Wed, 30 Jul 2025 06:00:41 +0000 https://www.media4change.co/?p=26713 How do you know you're heading in the right direction? Sometimes all it takes is a few days, a few conversations, and a clear realization: our path is meaningful – but there's still room to grow.

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That’s what Domantas Bagūnas, a representative of Etaplius, took home after participating in the Innovation Fair in Budapest – an international event held under the LIMENet project umbrella, with Media4Change actively participating as a national partner.

“What inspired me most were the ideas about regional journalism and engaging local audiences. That’s the core of our work as well, so it was valuable to validate what we do and gain new insights,” Domantas shared.

When Local Journalism Becomes the Voice of the Community

According to Domantas, one of the most powerful moments came from a speaker from the United Kingdom — not because of tools or business models, but because of the speaker’s approach to journalism in regional contexts.

Domantas Bagūnas, advertising manager of the portal “Etaplius”

“There were genuinely valuable talks that are applicable in our daily work and help align with our goals.”

Following the event, Domantas’s team established a collaboration with colleagues from Latvia, and the overall experience encouraged their newsroom to launch new projects — from acquiring better tools for information gathering to presenting stories in a more modern and engaging way.

“If we received LIMENet support, we would invest in tools that help us collect information faster and with higher quality, modernize how we present content to readers, and focus more on non-daily topics — the social issues that often get pushed aside due to time constraints.”

An Invitation to Think Bigger

“A united media is a strong media. That’s why events like this and collaboration with colleagues from other countries help us exchange ideas, reflect, and build connections.”

The ongoing LIMENet sub-grant call invites other local newsrooms to take similar steps — from inspiration and reflection to real action and change.

📅 Application deadline: August 25
💶 Support available: up to €20,000
🤝 Includes mentoring and access to an international network of experts
🔗 More information and application form

Key details:
– Open to media operating in Lithuania, Poland, Hungary, Belgium, and Serbia;
– Eligible applicants include both registered media outlets and independent creators working locally;
– The sub-granting system is part of the EU’s Creative Europe programme under the project LIMENet – Local Innovative Media in Europe Network.


LIMENet is implemented by a consortium led by the Media Diversity Institute Global (Brussels), in cooperation with the Media Diversity Institute Western Balkans (Serbia), Media4Change (Lithuania), and SDRP.EU (Poland).

The LIMENet project is co-funded by the European Union’s Creative Europe programme.

The post From Experience to Action: The Strength of Regional Journalism Lies in Community appeared first on Media4Change.

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From Spark to Strategy: A Moment for Local Newsrooms to Look Ahead https://www.media4change.co/from-spark-to-strategy-a-moment-for-local-newsrooms-to-look-ahead/ https://www.media4change.co/from-spark-to-strategy-a-moment-for-local-newsrooms-to-look-ahead/#respond Tue, 29 Jul 2025 05:39:54 +0000 https://www.media4change.co/?p=26739 Sometimes, meaningful changes in a newsroom begin with a small impulse — a conversation, an idea, a meeting. That was the case for Atvira Klaipėda editor Martynas Vainorius, who returned from the international Innovation Fair in Budapest — an international event under the LIMENet umbrella, with Media4Change actively participating as a national partner.

The post From Spark to Strategy: A Moment for Local Newsrooms to Look Ahead appeared first on Media4Change.

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“I finally made the decision to put part of our content behind a paywall,” Martynas shared.
“It was a great opportunity to connect with fellow Lithuanian journalists, build relationships, and learn about the state of media and applied solutions in other countries.”

When Decisions Grow Out of Community

Over three days, more than 50 local media professionals from seven countries came together in Budapest. Newsroom representatives exchanged daily challenges, explored sustainable models, and presented concrete solutions — from content strategies to funding mechanisms.

For Martynas, this experience helped reinforce existing plans and offered insight into how similar problems are being tackled elsewhere.

Martynas Vainorius, the editor of the news website “Atvira Klaipėda”

In addition to introducing a paywall, Atvira Klaipėda is planning to hire a new team member and offer new features for newsletter subscribers — a step toward a stronger relationship with their audience.

A Call for Newsrooms Ready to Act

Martynas’s story is just one example of how Innovation Fair encounters can turn ideas into concrete actions. These experiences show that even small newsrooms, without excess resources, can rethink their models and pursue more sustainable approaches.

Right now, the LIMENet sub-grant call is open for local and community-based media. It’s an opportunity for those already considering change — and looking for ways to make it real.

📅 Application deadline: August 25
💶 Support available: up to €20,000
🤝 Includes mentoring and access to an international network of experts
🔗 More information and application form

Key details:
– Open to media operating in Lithuania, Poland, Hungary, Belgium, and Serbia;
– Eligible applicants include both registered media outlets and independent creators working locally;
– The sub-granting system is part of the EU’s Creative Europe programme under the project LIMENet – Local Innovative Media in Europe Network.


LIMENet is implemented by a consortium led by the Media Diversity Institute Global (Brussels), in cooperation with the Media Diversity Institute Western Balkans (Serbia), Media4Change (Lithuania), and SDRP.EU (Poland).

The LIMENet project is co-funded by the European Union’s Creative Europe programme.

The post From Spark to Strategy: A Moment for Local Newsrooms to Look Ahead appeared first on Media4Change.

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From Budapest to Plungė: When Small Newsrooms See the Bigger Picture https://www.media4change.co/from-budapest-to-plunge-when-small-newsrooms-see-the-bigger-picture/ https://www.media4change.co/from-budapest-to-plunge-when-small-newsrooms-see-the-bigger-picture/#respond Thu, 17 Jul 2025 07:07:47 +0000 https://www.media4change.co/?p=26620 Small newsrooms often lack extra resources — whether in staff or time. Yet, they’re often closer to their audience, quicker to notice shifting needs, and freer to rethink their direction.

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This proximity and daily dialogue with readers form the foundation for journalism that stays rooted in people’s real lives. That perspective shaped the experience of Jurgita Naglienė, representing Žemaitis newspaper and the portal Labas, Plunge, during the international Innovation Fair in Budapest, organized by Media4Change in partnership with LIMENet.

“What inspired me most were the experiences of other small newsrooms. They showed that even with limited resources, you can create meaningful, engaging content that truly reaches the community,” Jurgita shared.

When Journalism Returns to the People

Over three days in Budapest, more than 50 representatives of local media from seven countries came together — from independent creators experimenting with new formats to long-established editorial teams seeking ways to stay resilient and sustainable.

“We had a great chat with a representative from Chayka in Latvia,” said Jurgita.
“Their insights on reaching younger audiences were very inspiring. Maybe we’ll try going in that direction too.”

While financial struggles, staffing shortages, and lack of tech came up, participants focused on what journalism can still be: close to people, creative in storytelling, and rooted in what truly matters.

From Everyday to Exceptional

A key source of inspiration was a talk by the founder of Mill Media. His motto — “Interesting before important” — resonated deeply.

For Jurgita, it sparked new reflections on how we talk to our audiences, especially younger ones.

“It was also very helpful to hear real stories about how other outlets secure and manage project-based funding,” she noted.
“That’s especially relevant for small newsrooms like ours, where there’s no dedicated person for writing or running projects.”

When Small Newsrooms Meet – Direction Emerges

“I wish more journalists could take part in initiatives like this,” Jurgita said.
“These meetings give more than contacts — they inspire through real examples.
Sometimes, all you need is to see that someone else has succeeded, and suddenly, the courage is there.”

And that’s the heart of LIMENet — not offering one-size-fits-all solutions, but creating space for newsrooms to grow together, share ideas, experiment, and clarify their direction.

Looking for More Than Inspiration?

The LIMENet sub-grant call is now open for local and community-based media outlets.
Support of up to €20,000 is available — along with mentoring, international connections, and access to a network of experts.

📅 Application deadline: August 25

🔗 Learn more and apply here

Want to check if your idea fits?

You can still register for the online info session until July 18 by filling in the registration form.

📩 Questions? Write to us: [email protected]


LIMENet is implemented by a consortium led by the Media Diversity Institute Global (Brussels), in cooperation with the Media Diversity Institute Western Balkans (Serbia), Media4Change (Lithuania), and SDRP.EU (Poland).

The LIMENet project is co-funded by the European Union’s Creative Europe programme.

The post From Budapest to Plungė: When Small Newsrooms See the Bigger Picture appeared first on Media4Change.

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