According to a survey by the Association of European Journalists (AEJ), 80 percent of journalists in regional media in Bulgaria have reported being subjected to censorship. Spas Spasov, a journalist from “Dnevnik,” tells BTA that the pressure on those working in regional media is one of the reasons he established the platform “For the Truth.” This platform offers a space for expression and support for media professionals who wish to combat the system.
Spasov has been based in Varna for 18 years, and although he is not directly affected by the issues of regional journalism while working for a major media outlet, he is familiar with the landscape. Additionally, he conducted a study in 2016 that traced the funding of regional media in Bulgaria.
How Municipalities Buy Media
“I found many disturbing similarities in the methods of financing regional media through municipal budgets. At that time, I examined 10 randomly selected municipalities, and it became clear that from the largest (which was Varna at the time) to the smallest (Montana), they allocated virtually the same percentage of their budgets to purchasing local media. In other words, municipalities financed media with about one percent of their budgets, but the contracts indicated that this was essentially a purchase of influence in local media, and it was widespread. Almost no municipalities were left unscathed by these schemes. That’s why I decided to create this project to stimulate regional journalists who are trying to work independently in some way,” explains Spasov.
His idea was to assist colleagues from smaller municipalities in the country who do not have a large media company backing them, suffer from underfunding, or are facing consequences for adhering to the principles of honest and responsible journalism.
The Idea
“In addition, the idea stemmed from a trip to the United States, where one of the training sessions was at a platform for investigative journalism—ProPublica, a private platform with clear funding that operates as a non-profit organization focused solely on investigations. Essentially, I created the ‘For the Truth’ project based on the model of this organization. In 2017, I started with five people; now there are eight of us, working on a virtual office principle. Most of them own their own media outlets, are experienced journalists, but for one reason or another, they have left large media companies and decided to work independently and uphold their independence,” the journalist explained.
The other objective of the project is for these individuals to feel supported, as it is much harder to stand alone than when you are part of a professional community.
Investigations and SLAPP Lawsuits
“After the second year, it became clear that we needed to allocate a specific budget line for legal services, because right after our first investigations, we were subjected to SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) judicial attacks from those we were investigating, and this continues to this day,” Spasov added.
They have a separate budget line for training sessions, where all individuals working for “For the Truth” gather for meetings with experts in journalism, specializing in data work, freedom of speech, and all issues related to journalists’ work. Through the project, they have access to platforms for data management.
“The backbone of the site consists of investigations and critical articles about local government operations, the connections between local authorities and public procurement, and abuses of European funds. Essentially, everything that remains hidden from larger media because it pertains to regional issues. When someone starts addressing regional problems, they realize that the players on the larger stage are almost the same as those on many smaller stages across the country, and the abuses of the funds in question are no less significant in local budgets than those that grab the attention of larger audiences. For instance, billions spent on the Hemus motorway are equivalent to millions used for streets in a medium-sized Bulgarian city. However, because the Hemus project makes it into national news, while street issues in smaller towns do not, these matters remain concealed,” Spasov stated. He added that his goal was to consolidate the efforts of all these individuals into one platform to increase their visibility—through this platform, with their contacts in major mainstream media, and through collaborative efforts for more visibility on social media.
Analytical Text for Investigative Media: Challenges and Opportunities in Journalism in Small Communities
In contemporary journalism, particularly within the context of investigative media, the challenges faced by journalists in small communities are becoming increasingly evident and significant. Spasov, a representative of “For the Truth,” emphasizes the difficulties encountered by professionals living in smaller towns, especially regarding access to training and resources for professional development. These isolated locations create barriers not only in terms of geographical distance but also in the accessibility of information and training, which are crucial in the field of journalism.
One of the main issues is the overwhelming amount of resources, particularly on important and current topics, being provided only in English. This hinders many journalists who do not have a sufficient command of the language. Organizing training sessions and workshops locally or through online platforms could significantly improve the situation and support the skill development of journalists in small communities.
Additionally, the perception of good news is another area demanding attention. Spasov points out that society often focuses on negative events and cases instead of seeking out the positives in people’s lives and their environment. A dedicated section for good news could not only diversify content but also showcase positive examples and initiatives that inspire the community.
Working with civic signals is another crucial aspect for investigative journalism. Spasov highlights that any major issue may begin with a small signal; however, reaching an analytical understanding of it requires additional effort. The possibility of engaging with civic observers is key, as an active citizenry can provide valuable information and assist journalists in their work.
In conclusion, investigative journalism in small communities faces numerous challenges, from access to training and resources to overcoming societal negativity. Investing in education and skill development, as well as focusing on good news, can strengthen the media landscape and lay the groundwork for more active civic participation. In doing so, journalists will not only provide objective information but also build bridges between citizens and institutions, which is essential for a healthy democratic environment.
Artificial Intelligence and Professional Journalism
According to the journalist, artificial intelligence is gaining increasing popularity, making it easier to manipulate facts, falsify data, and influence the online environment. However, this does not necessarily complicate the work of professional journalists.
“We are currently at a stage of confrontation between natural and artificial intelligence. Until this battle concludes with a peace agreement and the unification of efforts, things may be a bit challenging. Right now, I feel that artificial intelligence is mainly being used by those focused on creating fake news rather than seeking the truth. However, there are platforms like Factcheck, as well as image and video verification platforms. Many individuals are working in this field, and we strive to utilize their efforts to differentiate fake news from real news,” he states.
This highlights the dual-edged nature of artificial intelligence in journalism. While it presents challenges through the potential for misinformation, it also offers tools that can assist journalists in combating false narratives and enhancing their reporting. As the landscape evolves, the collaboration between human expertise and AI tools will be essential for maintaining journalistic integrity and credibility.
Quality Journalism Comes with a High Cost
“Bulgarians continue to expect to receive content for free. They do not understand why they should pay for content, and there is almost no inclination towards donating to media outlets. This is a rather sad conclusion, but it remains a fact. For this reason, no media in Bulgaria can afford to rely on donations as their sole source of funding. Rather, this option is intended to remind readers that quality journalism costs a lot of money,” states Spas Spasov. He adds that his platform, “Za istinata” (“For the Truth),” relies on donations from “America for Bulgaria,” adhering to strict rules that ensure transparency regarding the type and manner of funding, along with periodic reports on expenditures.
Currently, they are in the final stages of a project within “For the Truth,” which will provide one-year grants to regional media, selected through a competitive process. “Media outlets had about two months to submit application forms, and a five-member jury of professionals in the field of media and journalism selected the best candidates. Interviews with the ten finalists are upcoming, and at the beginning of May, contracts will start being signed both with regional media and freelance journalists,” Spasov explains.
This statement underscores the financial challenges facing journalism in Bulgaria. The expectation for free content can undermine the sustainable funding necessary for maintaining quality reporting. Initiatives such as grants for regional media can help bridge this gap, fostering a more robust journalistic environment that values and supports quality journalism.
