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OTI GROUP

The main problems related to the development of citizen journalism stem from citizens’ lack of awareness of the opportunities available to them to contribute to the creation and distribution of information of public interest, as well as from the lack of dedicated space for this type of information sharing.

As part of its ongoing efforts to develop citizen journalism, the Association for Transparent Information OTI GROUP initiated a digital platform integrated with the zhurnal.mk portal, described as the most-read Albanian-language news portal in the country. The platform serves as a space for citizens to contribute to the presentation and dissemination of information of public interest.

The key challenges hindering the development of citizen journalism in the Republic of North Macedonia are related to citizens’ limited awareness of the importance of this form of journalism and the opportunities available for its implementation.

The priority needs in addressing this issue involve raising awareness of the importance of citizen journalism for the development of civil society and highlighting the opportunities it offers citizens to influence social processes through this mechanism.

Planned activities include promoting the concept in order to expand the network of interested citizens; providing information about the fundamental principles of citizen journalism; and ensuring regular publications and investigative work. In addition, the citizen journalism section focuses on cultural topics, including news and information about culture and cultural heritage, reviews and critiques of works of art, and essays.

This approach builds on the previous successful experience of the Association for Transparent Information OTI GROUP in implementing initiatives to develop citizen journalism in North Macedonia.

Past experience has shown that citizens respond positively to opportunities to contribute to the field of information and are generally interested in participating in identifying, promoting, and addressing issues of public interest through independent citizen journalism.