OSCE Mission to Montenegro initiates co-operation to strengthen practice-oriented journalism education

The OSCE Mission to Montenegro brought the Faculty of Political Science’s Department for Media Studies and Journalism and student radio Radio Krš together, to introduce “Production Days”, a practice-oriented learning initiative enabling journalism students to produce their own radio programmes. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice, helping future journalists develop the editorial, technical and ethical skills needed for accurate, public-interest and responsible reporting.

This initiative responds to the 2025 Media Training Needs Assessment, supported by the Mission, which identified a demand for more structured hands-on learning and stronger links between journalism education and hands-on practice. In response to these recommendations, the Mission initiated and facilitated dialogue between the Department and Radio Krš to create opportunities for students accordingly.

Another step took place this week, when second- and third-year students met with Radio Krš representatives to learn about the station’s operations and opportunities to contribute to its programming.

Through Production Days, students will work in mixed groups of five to select topics, develop stories, and produce their own programmes. Radio Krš will provide technical assistance and broadcast the programmes, with the Department’s teaching staff supporting students’ assignments. This approach will enable future journalists to apply their academic knowledge, develop editorial judgement, and gain experience in teamwork and radio production.

Head of the Journalism Department, Nataša Ružić, stated that, in addition to theoretical knowledge, the Department wants to provide future journalists with as much practical experience as possible in various media. “That is why we continuously expand the network of media that we co-operate with. Co-operation with Radio Krš will give students the opportunity to learn new skills and get to know work in the radio medium, in order to more easily develop their professional interests,” said Ružić.

The co-operation builds on the Mission’s longstanding support to both partners. The Mission has assisted the Department in strengthening practice-oriented teaching and student production, including through donations of technical equipment. It has also supported Radio Krš in producing content of public interest and donated equipment to strengthen the station’s production capacity.