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.
From Spark to Strategy: A Moment for Local Newsrooms to Look Ahead
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.
“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.
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.
