Building media resilience in Southeast Europe: Case studies from Montenegro and North Macedonia

In Southeast Europe, where environmental hazards increasingly intersect with social crises, independent media are crucial in maintaining public trust and ensuring the flow of timely and accurate information.

Journalists are not only first responders in the information space, they shape public understanding, help communities navigate uncertainty and hold institutions accountable.

With support from a UNESCO project implemented in 2025 in partnership with MEMO 98, two digital media outlets, SDK.MK in North Macedonia and CDM Portal in Montenegro, are enhancing their disaster preparedness and response capacities through the development of institutional Disaster Preparedness and Response Plans (DPRPs). Their efforts demonstrate a growing commitment to proactive resilience in a region where media often serve as the key line of defence against misinformation and public panic.

Related video: How can we stop misinformation during disasters?
 
This video explores how to fight back against misinformation and disinformation—before, during, and after a crisis. Whether it's a rumor on social media or deliberate deception, the solution is clear: build trust before the crisis begins.

North Macedonia: SDK.MK builds a more prepared newsroom

SDK.MK is one of North Macedonia’s leading digital media. With a network of local reporters across 8 regions of the country, SDK.MK is a trusted source for audiences seeking clarity in times of crisis.

UNESCO’s support is helping SDK.MK take this mission further. Through the development of a formal Disaster Preparedness and Response Plan (DPRP), the newsroom is strengthening its editorial coordination, improving safety and verification procedures, and investing in digital infrastructure that supports uninterrupted reporting during crises.

Past disasters have shown how critical accurate, reliable reporting is. Not just to inform, but to reduce panic and maintain public trust.
Marina Kostova, SDK.MKDeputy Editor-in-Chief

The plan defines clear lines of responsibility in emergencies, outlines steps for secure data storage and remote production, and introduces new internal checklists for fact-checking and staff coordination. “We are actively working on securing a written protocol for disaster reporting to ensure clear and consistent coverage and updating our equipment.” Kostova notes. “This reflects our commitment to being well-prepared for future disaster events.”

SDK.MK’s ongoing preparedness efforts build on its established environmental reporting and commitment to public accountability. Although it operates with a small team, the outlet is exploring practical ways to strengthen its resilience, including the potential use of AI-driven tools to monitor environmental indicators such as air quality, floods, and wildfires. Its Engaged Citizen Reporting platform is also a valuable mechanism for collecting field information from audiences during natural hazards, enabling faster verification and wider situational awareness when institutional data are limited. These pragmatic, low-cost approaches help SDK enhance its ability to respond to emergencies without requiring major new resources or structural changes.

At the same time, the outlet recognises that sustaining preparedness requires continuity and realistic internal routines. The main challenge lies in maintaining and updating the DPRP, in particular the safety checklists and verification protocols, so that they remain constantly relevant to the newsroom’s workflow. Step by step, and by leveraging digital innovation where possible, SDK.MK is building a culture of readiness while reinforcing its mission to serve as a source of reliable information in times of crisis.

Montenegro: CDM portal bolsters institutional capacity

In Montenegro, CDM Portal has long been recognized for its speed, reliability, and live event coverage. But when wildfires swept through the country, the newsroom faced a stark reality: while its reporting was timely and impactful, its internal structure was not equipped to handle the demands of a full-scale emergency.

We observed that audience reach increased significantly during disasters. People actively sought live updates and clear guidance but we lacked a dedicated protocol to respond efficiently.
Journalist Lenka Lalovic

Despite limited resources, CDM Portal mobilised quickly and effectively. Ad-hoc teams coordinated with emergency services, verified information, and implemented flexible work arrangements to maintain coverage. Smartphones became essential tools, enabling journalists to report from the field, capture images and video, and share updates in real time. This experience demonstrated that even with modest resources, modern technology can empower small newsrooms to deliver timely information.

The newsroom’s strong teamwork and commitment to ethical reporting ensured that reliable information reached the public. But the experience also revealed gaps. “We wish we had reacted sooner,” Lalovic admits. “Having a better structure in place, with defined roles and responsibilities, would have made our response more effective.”

Building on past experiences and through the Model DPRP framework, the newsroom is developing detailed risk assessments, emergency protocols, and continuity plans that address both physical and digital vulnerabilities. Staff preparedness and safety measures, including evacuation procedures, remote work capabilities, and mental health support, are being integrated into the plan, alongside strategies to protect equipment and data infrastructure.

“The DPRP will help us operate without major interruptions during crises,” Lalovic explains. “It’s about minimizing downtime and protecting our most valuable assets: our people and our credibility.”

The outlet is adopting specialised policies for disaster and environmental reporting, establishing structured communication channels with authorities, and leveraging digital platforms to expand its reach. “We’re formalising our connections with experts and institutions,” Lalovic says. “This will make our information flow more efficient and reliable.”

The newsroom’s ability to serve at-risk communities has already improved, thanks to the personal relationships its journalists have built with local leaders, NGOs, and peer media outlets. While these networks are informal, they play a crucial role in ensuring that vulnerable populations are not left behind during emergencies.

Looking ahead, CDM Portal is focused on strengthening its staffing, securing financial support for equipment and training, and building formal partnerships with disaster management authorities. Lalovic’s advice to other media organisations is simple: “Start building a clear emergency plan before a crisis hits. Even a basic plan can make all the difference.”