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.
What Happens When Community Becomes a Platform: Insights From Innovation Fair
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.
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.”
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.
- Apply by 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.
