Learning by Doing: My Eight Days at HRT
Learning by Doing: My Eight Days at HRT
By Milica Kapa
In early September, I spent eight days at Croatian Radiotelevision (HRT) in Zagreb as part of the EU Innovation. Media. Minds. mobility grant. As a journalist working at RTCG (Radio and Television of Montenegro), this short but intense exchange opened new professional horizons for me—changing not only how I see public service journalism, but how I now approach it.
From day one, I was welcomed into the dynamic rhythm of HRT’s newsroom and production teams. What made this experience stand out was not just observing how things are done, but being part of the process. I was present on field assignments, joined editorial meetings, and—most importantly—produced my own stories, from recording to editing.
TV report "Montenegrins in Croatia - strong identity and rich tradition" Milica produced for RTCG during her job shadowing at HRT
The most transformative part of this mobility was realizing how reporting can be both more structured and more creative. At RTCG, I often work under tight deadlines, with little time to reflect. This grant gave me space to observe a different rhythm—one that values preparation and depth without losing the urgency of news.
Looking ahead, this mobility inspired me to advocate for more cross-border newsroom collaborations and short-term exchanges across public broadcasters in the region. There’s so much we can learn from each other—technically, editorially and ethically.
I’m deeply grateful to the EU Program Innovation. Media. Minds. for supporting this experience. It reminded me why I became a journalist in the first place—and how much further I can still grow.
Funded by the European Union, the Innovation. Media. Minds Program: Support to Public Service Journalism in the Western Balkans, is managed by the Goethe-Institut on behalf of the European Commission and in collaboration with its implementing partner DW Akademie. The contents of this story are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.
In early September, I spent eight days at Croatian Radiotelevision (HRT) in Zagreb as part of the EU Innovation. Media. Minds. mobility grant. As a journalist working at RTCG (Radio and Television of Montenegro), this short but intense exchange opened new professional horizons for me—changing not only how I see public service journalism, but how I now approach it.
From day one, I was welcomed into the dynamic rhythm of HRT’s newsroom and production teams. What made this experience stand out was not just observing how things are done, but being part of the process. I was present on field assignments, joined editorial meetings, and—most importantly—produced my own stories, from recording to editing.
It wasn’t just shadowing. I was doing the work, side by side with experienced colleagues.
I had the chance to film my own pieces with their support, which made me realize how much more intentional I could be when shaping a story. HRT’s approach taught me to think more visually, to slow down in the field, and to let the environment and subjects help guide the narrative. I saw first-hand how collaboration between reporters, camera operators, and editors can elevate a piece from informative to impactful.TV report "Montenegrins in Croatia - strong identity and rich tradition" Milica produced for RTCG during her job shadowing at HRT
The most transformative part of this mobility was realizing how reporting can be both more structured and more creative. At RTCG, I often work under tight deadlines, with little time to reflect. This grant gave me space to observe a different rhythm—one that values preparation and depth without losing the urgency of news.
Since returning, I’ve noticed a shift in my own work.
The methods and practices I learned at HRT are already making a difference in my daily work. I now approach storyboarding differently. I use video footage more strategically.
I’m deeply grateful to the EU Program Innovation. Media. Minds. for supporting this experience. It reminded me why I became a journalist in the first place—and how much further I can still grow.
Funded by the European Union, the Innovation. Media. Minds Program: Support to Public Service Journalism in the Western Balkans, is managed by the Goethe-Institut on behalf of the European Commission and in collaboration with its implementing partner DW Akademie. The contents of this story are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.