"In this study, we explore the challenges and strategies of independent media outlets in contexts of shrinking civic space. To this end, we present five case studies on a specific media outlets. These describe the overall political context for the media, the specific challenges that the respective m
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edia outlet has faced, as well as the different strategies that they have used to meet these challenges. The overall problem is situated within a set of concepts introduced in the first chapter, while the conclusions chapter brings together the lessons which can be learned from the case studies in one framework. The five case studies each have a distinct focus, namely: the efforts of Átlátszo in Hungary to reach groups in society who are currently not exposed to independent media content; the lessons KRIK in Serbia learned on how to anticipate and counter attempts by powerholders to repress their story, including through cross-border collaboration; the thin line between activism and journalism that Liber in Teleorman in Romania threaded, while investigating power abuse by national politicians at the local level; the focus on professional standards and community engagement by Oštro, in their attempt to build credibility towards an audience used to partisan media; the position of Átlátszo Erdély, a Hungarian-language media outlet in Romania stuck between pressures from multiple sides, who as a city-based media outlet managed to embed themselves in a rural audience." (Executive summary)
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"We recruited participants aged 13-14 in three countries: Mexico, South Africa and the Netherlands. Through a questionnaire, an observation exercise and interviews, we gathered information in order to identify trends [...] We constructed a number of global personas that cut across the groups. Safety
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Seeker: Aims to avoid potential harm online; they do not interact with content they believe is not genuine and they are discerning about friend requests. Awareness Raiser: Is concerned about global issues and considers the positive impact of online content more important than its veracity. Entertainment Junkie: Cares about having fun, being entertained and making friends smile; truth isn’t as important. Dedicated Fan: Believes content posted by the people they admire and will call out fake news about the things they care about. Socialiser: Is all about friends, connecting across several social media platforms. They are discerning about friends but still have hundreds – and they believe the things they share. Scroller: Doesn’t engage with misinformation or content they don’t care about; they just scroll on past. They can be challenging to engage." (Executive summary, page 4-5)
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