Witnesses to Their Time: Sandra’s Journey with the Media Fellowship Program
Journalists are not mere observers of their times. They are also storytellers and interpreters of what happens around us. Their role goes beyond reporting; it is rooted in the responsibility to deliver news that is accurate, impartial, and ethically sound. This is why professional standards in journalism are paramount.
Sandra Dobrić, a journalist for Radio Kontakt Plus, a radio station in Mitrovica/Mitrovicë North, is one such example. One of eight journalists selected Kosovo-wide for the prestigious OSCE Media Fellowship Programme, Sandra represents the diversity of languages and perspectives in the media landscape in Kosovo.
The Media Fellowship Program, whose sixth iteration was organized in May 2024, continues to expand journalists' skills to uphold professional journalism standards and ethical reporting. The Program offered Sandra a transformative five-day study visit to media institutions and outlets in the region.
Taking chances
When Sandra greeted us at the door of the radio, she brightened up a gloomy morning.
After earning a degree in International Relations from the Faculty of Political Sciences, she returned to her home in the village of Joševik/Joshevik near Banjska/Banjskë with aspirations to improve living conditions and cultural content in her community.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak changed her plans. While looking for a job, she was offered an opportunity to try and work as a journalist. Since she had been posting a lot on social media, as she says, like an influencer, she decided to take a chance. The early days were not easy, but one gets the impression that this young, bright woman does not give up on anything easily. And after a while, she was not only writing news for the radio website, as initially planned, but also doing radio shows when needed.
Nearly two years into her career, she proudly points out that her work mostly focuses on human stories and life in Kosovo.
Turning point
Sandra heard about the OSCE Media Fellowship Program from her editor, Mirjana Milutinović, also a beneficiary of OSCE programs a few years prior. Having gained valuable insights into journalism during her own experience, which marked a turning point in her career, too, Mirjana encouraged Sandra to apply, believing it would be an excellent opportunity for her to expand her professional horizons.
"How else would I have the opportunity to visit all those big media houses in Tirana, Podgorica, Prishtinë/Priština, and Belgrade and get to know their work and the work of journalists from the region? It was an eye-opener", Sandra says.
Sandra pointed out that she truly appreciated having the opportunity to meet fellow Kosovo Albanian colleagues from Prishtinë/Priština. Most of them did not speak Serbian, so they communicated in English. Nonetheless, Sandra said the experience was enriching as they discussed shared interests, common issues, and ways to empower journalists to do their jobs better.
Our Acting Head of Mission, Cornelia Taylor, also points out the same core values of the Fellowship and its multi-fold nature. “We seek to equip our media fellows with essential tools and networks to succeed in an ever-evolving media landscape and enhance their understanding of media operations across the region. At the same time, the program serves as a platform for fostering inter-community relations among journalists from diverse backgrounds, many of whom don’t have enough opportunities to meet one another and network otherwise,” she adds.
Sandra has particularly fond memories of visits to the media houses and the editors and journalists who were willing to meet everyone and answer all questions.
"Everyone was incredibly kind and accommodating. We had the opportunity to visit the newsrooms and meet journalists. What impressed me the most was the fact that in big media, certain journalists are designated to reporting on focus areas, which is not the case for most local news portals."
Deeper understanding
During the programme, Sandra not only learned about the operational side of the media in the region but also engaged in discussions with journalists from other communities and media houses about the challenges they face, such as security, reporting in sensitive circumstances, or the constant battle against misinformation and fake news.
“The commitment of journalists I met left a lasting impression on me,” Sandra says. “It made me appreciate complexities of the profession even more and get a deeper understanding of the responsibility we carry.”
She says that the OSCE program gave her a unique opportunity to connect and collaborate with journalists from across the region.
Back to reality
"I had the opportunity to hear many different stories from fellow journalists. For example, what was very interesting for me were presentations on investigative journalism, which completely changed my perception of journalism, what one should actually look for, and what to focus on. If it weren't for the OSCE program, I wouldn't have had a chance to meet those people," Sandra says.
Impressed by large media houses, their equipment, studios, organization, and volume of work, she brings us back to reality with a story about the challenges journalists in smaller media houses face. The shortage of journalists in smaller media outlets, as they mainly strive to work in big media houses, significantly affects their organization of work and reporting.
Cultivating skills in the ever-evolving media landscape
Launched in 2017, with a two-year pause during the pandemic, the Media Fellowship Program has been instrumental in cultivating local journalistic talent while promoting gender equality.
To date, 48 journalists from various communities in Kosovo have participated in the program and became part of the OSCE Media Fellowship Programme.
Sandra is our most recent addition to this select cohort of journalists and media professionals. But the ultimate value of the Program is not just about the skills she’s gained or the connections she’s made; it’s about the vision she now carries for the future of journalism in her community.
As we stepped away from Radio Kontakt Plus, it was evident that Sandra’s media journey was just beginning. With her passion for storytelling, the contacts that she has made, and the skills that the Fellowship offered, Sandra will continue to give voice to untold stories, making a meaningful impact with every word she shares.