From Belgrade to Perugia
A Journey of Professional Growth

by Natasa Novosel

Over the course of 16 days, I took part in a mobility project that led me through two enriching experiences — an internship at Radio Belgrade 1 in Serbia and participation in the International Journalism Festival in Perugia, Italy. Both phases offered valuable professional insights and significantly shaped my development as a journalist.

The first part of the project took place in Belgrade from March 16 to 24, 2025, where I completed a seven-day internship at Radio Belgrade 1. From the very beginning, I was welcomed by Nikoleta Dojčinović, the editor of the Music Program, who introduced me to the newsroom’s workflow and helped me outline a detailed work plan for the week. This close coordination ensured that every day was packed with practical learning opportunities.
A key part of my training was learning to use Jutel, a modern broadcasting program that will soon be introduced at BHRT. Currently, my home institution still uses an older system, so mastering Jutel — particularly its in-program editing capabilities — was an important step toward streamlining our production process. This experience alone will save us time and reduce our dependency on multiple tools when producing radio shows.

I also spent time with the digital and social media teams, where I gained a clearer understanding of how they manage the station’s web portal and social channels. Their feedback and suggestions provided concrete ways to improve our own platforms. One especially valuable connection was with the company that developed Radio Belgrade’s portal — which is based in Mostar. This opens the door for potential collaboration and support much closer to home.

My training continued in the Multimedia Department, where I learned to create short-form videos for social media, observed a podcast recording in a dedicated studio equipped with robotic cameras, and received technical advice on mobile app development. I also learned about best practices in data protection and broadcasting security, which are increasingly important in our line of work. During several field assignments, I had the chance to record a live concert by the band Vizelj and conduct an interview with the performers — a true highlight of the week.
Equally important was the connection I established with a colleague who deals with religious topics. Since I recently joined this editorial department at my home station, I was especially grateful for the chance to attend a liturgy at the Church of Saint Sava and meet the choir. This encounter laid the foundation for future collaborations, especially as religious content becomes a growing part of my professional focus.

The second part of my journey brought me to the International Journalism Festival in Perugia from April 9 to 13, 2025. Each day, I attended multiple sessions and interactive workshops covering a wide range of topics — from fact-checking and ethical reporting to digital innovation and media literacy. These sessions expanded my knowledge of global journalism trends and helped me connect with colleagues from across Europe and beyond. Some of those contacts have already turned into working partnerships. For example, I’ve begun exchanging content with a journalist specializing in religion, and we’ve even featured each other’s work in our programs. I also began collaborating with the editor of the Music Program at Radio Belgrade on new jingles for BH Radio 1.

Despite a few logistical challenges — such as delayed ticket purchases due to protests in Belgrade, and difficulty finding affordable accommodation in Perugia — the project went smoothly thanks to the help of colleagues and some flexibility in planning. A late-night arrival in Perugia and a short detour through Rome even allowed me to visit the Vatican, which held special significance given the Pope’s passing shortly thereafter.
This mobility project has left a lasting impact on both my personal and professional development. I returned with hands-on experience in modern broadcasting technology, deeper insight into the fast-changing world of digital journalism, and new confidence in applying what I’ve learned. More importantly, I’ve been able to share this knowledge with my colleagues, helping to modernize our workflow and enrich the quality of our programming.

What began as a professional opportunity has turned into a transformative experience — one that continues to influence my work and build bridges for future cooperation.

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.