Christian Spahr, Head of SEE Media Program of Konrad Adenauer Foundation - Entrepreneurial journalism takes courage

(Christian Spahr)

A modern journalist must think as an entrepreneur, it is the conclusion of the second seminar on entrepreneurial journalism in Serbia held September 10-12in Belgrade within the Media program for SEE of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation(KAS).

This year the seminar saw the first manual for journalists who are planning to start their own media web project. "EntrepreneurialJournalism Handbook " is available in Serbian and English and can be downloaded from the official site of the Media program for SEE.

The Head of SEE Media program at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, Christian Spahr is speaking for eKapija about the manual and seminars as well as aboutjournalism and readiness of journalists to step into entrepreneurial world.

eKapija: Year in year out, media are employing smaller number of journalists. There are theories stating the demand for journalists will be even smaller, especially in print. Is entrepreneurial journalism a solution for that situation?

- Generally speaking, the world is becoming more complex. Theoretically it would take more journalists to explain a world which is becoming more complex. But, on the other hand, the economic situation of numerous media is becoming more difficult and media opt for employing less journalists.

eKapija: How would you define entrepreneurial journalism?

- Entrepreneurial journalism is a connection between journalism and a business concept. The trainers who work with us in the KAS Media program, define it as a aconcept of journalism which is much more than “freelance” journalism.

eKapija: Serbia does not have developed entrepreneurial mentality sotheir citizens and especially journalists hardly opt for the step to starttheir own business. What do you think the main reasons are for journalists nothaving courage to step into entrepreneurship?

- People need time to make a decision to start their own business. When asked if they want to become a freelance entrepreneur, the answer should be along-term strategy and this takes time for preprataion of course.

eKapija: Many potential journalists - entrepreneurs say they do not know where they can learn about entrepreneurship. Is the Entrepreneurial Journalism Handbook going tohelp then in it and what does it contain?

- The manual contains all advice from the seminars held every year in Belgrade. Even journalists who don‘t attend the seminars can learn from this book.It can be downloaded free of charge at our website.

eKapija: What are the key lessons a journalist must learn whenstarting his own business?

- The main aspect is attractive writing. The second aspect is definitely how a journalist promotes its content at social media. Of course, the third one is the financial aspect. It is important to find an audience which wants to read your work but also business partners.For instance, companies which want to advertise at the platform made by a journalist or other journalists who help with marketing.

(From last year’s seminar)

eKapija: What are the plans of Konrad AdenauerFoundation for SEE region when it comes to entrepreneurial journalismdevelopment?

- As for now, we will continue with the current seminar concept since it comprises all aspects which are important for entrepreneurial journalism. We can ofcourse address the topic at big media conferences, too. One of the motivations for us to support entrepreneurial journalism is that it helps to increase the diversity in the media landscape.

Irina Milosevic