While the press often acts as a government watchdog, it is difficult for journalists to do so effectively if the issues they tackle are complex and difficult to understand. This is often the case in Serbia as elsewhere in the region, where local journalists struggle with the intricacies of public finances, and cannot adequately explain how tax revenues are being spent. Over time, this can breed mistrust of media and frustration at the lack of information vital to all individuals. In order to address the issue, IREX Serbia [6] teamed-up with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) [6] and the British Embassy [7] to support intensive training programs specifically aimed at investigative reporting on public finances. Journalists from nine of IREX’s partner television and radio stations participated in the workshops, receiving mentoring from both experienced investigative journalism trainers, as well as practitioners and experts in public finance.
The workshops were oriented towards practical application by teaching participants investigative skills by working on actual stories. Participants faced real world challenges as they developed and edited their own investigative pieces about how public finances are really spent. While pursuing their investigations two trainees were subjected to political pressure and were encouraged to not write their stories. In addition, all of them complained that municipalities failed to fully disclose the public documents and information related to the stories.
Trainees were introduced to the synopsis [8] as a means of determining whether or not to pursue an investigative story. “In the 13 years as I’ve been a journalist, this was the first time that I used a synopsis as a method of work. It helped me to not get some answers, but actually to also find my questions,” said Uros Urosevic, a Radio Boom 93 journalist. [you don’t explain to a reader what a synopsis is – why should the reader care?]
Urosevic’s story [9] highlighted the considerable compensations that the Pozarevac municipality is paying to citizens who have been attacked by stray dogs. Compensation is being paid instead of controlling the dogs and improving existing animal control center. “Urosevic’s story is not one which would overthrow the government or reveal corrupt activities. While seemingly banal, his story is important for the local community where he lives and works. It has shown a lack of responsibility from the local government, resulting not only in inadequate budget spending but in direct harm to citizens,” said Sasa Lekovic, a renowned trainer and investigative journalist who mentored Urosevic.
The three best stories from the training were published on Skockajte Budzet [10], a web portal specializing in bringing transparency to public finances run by the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN) [11] and ProConcept [12]. In addition, the Sumadija Press news portal released two stories and Urosevic’s was aired on his radio station.
The training was conducted as a part of the USAID [13]-funded Serbia Media Assistance Program [14] which strengthens the capacity and legal environment of media organizations in Serbia through training, technical assistance, and small subgrants.