A new push for European Democracy: Questfor independent and sustainable localjournalism in the service of the community
31. jul 2025.
We, the partners of YoCoJoin, have experienced firsthand the value that youth-driven local journalism brings to our communities and democracies, and our assessment is clear: youth-driven local journalism in Europe is in crisis.For too long, our local media ecosystems have suffered under the weight of corporate consolidation,newsroom closures, and job losses. The result? Entire regions across Europe are becoming news deserts (communities without access to relevant, reliable, and independent information about their own lives).
The promise that global digital platforms would support local journalism has proven empty: tech giants like Meta, Google, and Amazon continue to generate massive profits from audiences, all while undermining the sustainability of public interest journalism and enabling the unchecked spread of disinformation and hate speech.
At the same time, increasingly hostile environments, marked by political interference, censorship, and attacks on press freedom, are shrinking the space for independent and fact-based reporting. Nowhere is this more visible than in conflict and war zones, where journalists face harassment, imprisonment, and even death simply for doing their job.
We need implementation of policies that protect journalism as public good, and we want more democratic and diverse youth-driven local media. To make this a reality, young people must be meaningfully included in the production of news and connected with local media in their communities. This means moving beyond token participation and creating real opportunities for youth to shape media narratives, report on issues that matter to them, and learn from experienced journalists.
From our YoCoJoin experience, local newsrooms benefit significantly from the fresh insights, unique experiences, and digital expertise that young journalists bring, rejuvenating and enhancing their content and audience engagement.
As YoCoJoin reaches its conclusion, this manifesto serves as a call to action to continue and expand upon its impactful work.
Several partner organizations have already committed to sustaining their youth journalism initiatives, and we invite media organizations, local authorities, educators, and communities everywhere to join this ongoing effort and commit to the following principles.
You can find them HERE or by clicking the PREUZMI button below.