One of the most significant problems faced by journalists in the Republic of Serbia is the deterioration of the atmosphere, which encourages pluralism and independence of the media environment. Young journalists have a particularly difficult position in this environment, as they face a tendency to reduce their involvement in decision-making, cases of censorship and the lack of clear support from media outlets in the fight for objective and truthful reporting.

Accordingly, the project Media and Youth for Democratic Development through the implementation of the Academy of Journalism aims to raise the capacity of young journalists in the field of quality assurance and standards in investigative journalism, media information literacy and the fight against fake news ​​in Serbia.

A three-day final event was held in Vranje within the Academy of Journalism from May 26 to 28. Fifteen young journalists under the age of 35 had the opportunity to gain new knowledge and skills in areas such as security culture for journalists and the challenges of local investigative journalism. Interactive lectures and workshops in these areas were held by Branko Cecen (CINS) and Gordana Bjeletic (Juzne vesti).

During the program of the Academy of Journalism, as a product of attending lectures and mentoring, young journalists created complex journalistic forms on topics that are important for local communities in the field of development, functioning of democracy and institutions, rule of law and human rights. During the final event, all participants presented their work, the process of its production as well as the challenges they faced during its production.

On the last day of the final event, all participants who successfully completed the program were awarded diplomas, and the most successful participants were awarded prizes. The most successful work of the first Academy of Journalism was declared the work of Tamara Urosevic, entitled "The death of Bobana Momcilovic Velickovic who gave birth: Accident or medical error".