Brankica Petković presented findings from the MeDeMAP project at the Forward Journalism Festival in Maribor, Slovenia, on 14 November, revealing tensions between journalists’ democratic aspirations and structural barriers.
The presentation examined the Slovenian media landscape, where journalists demonstrate a strong commitment to providing credible information but face significant obstacles, including financial insecurity, ownership pressures, reduced newsroom capacity, and political interference. The research indicates growing public scepticism about whether the media can fulfil their democratic function under current systemic conditions.
©Sašo Bizjak, Večer/ Mirovni Institue
Petković also shared insights from the citizens’ parliaments organised by MeDeMAP, noting that participants expressed precise demands for free media and a functioning democratic society. Citizens called for the establishment of a unified media regulator, the promotion of worker-ownership models, and transparent media financing mechanisms. The discussions revealed widespread concern about restoring trust in media as a public good.
The presentation emphasised the potential for collaboration between journalists and civil society. Petković described citizens as a “treasure of ideas,” highlighting the substantive proposals generated through the project’s deliberative forums. Participants formulated detailed recommendations to address structural issues in the media sector and in democratic governance.
The Forward Journalism Festival provided a platform to examine how media systems can better serve democratic needs amid mounting pressures on independent journalism.
A complete summary of the event is available in English at: https://www.mirovni-institut.si/en/uniform-media-diverse-publics-how-do-we-move-forward/