The Circle Podcasts
As we saw in Paris, the hubs have come a long way. But what was participating in The Circle like for them, and what were their hopes and drives for starting a new media project in their city? We recorded discussions between The Circle participants and partners in each of the 8 design sprint locations. They’re now available as podcast episodes, and you can find some of them below.
Porto: a Discussion on the state of Portuguese Journalism
If we expect our stories to truly portray European core values, identity, and politics, we need journalists where news doesn't make it out of local headlines. This podcast is about those stories. Are We Europe's Giada Santana speaks with Hostwriter's Tina Lee, editor in chief of Unbias the News, and local producer Luis Fernandes. They discuss Portuguese journalism, the difficult life of creatives in the country, and how to represent the underrepresented.
Tune in here:
Vilnius: Vilnius Circle @ Palanga Street Radio
In Vilnius, The Circle partners and participants were hosted by Palanga Street Radio. Amidst the creative fervour of the design sprint, participants shared their insights and aspirations, envisioning the Vilnius hub as a catalyst for transformative change. As aspirations took shape and collaborative bonds strengthened, The Circle Vilnius Hub emerged not merely as a conduit for disseminating information but as a dynamic force for local community engagement.
Stream the conversation here: https://soundcloud.com/palanga_street_radio/interview-with-the-circle
Lyon: Collectif Estafette @ Hôtel71
Welcome to The Circle: Lyon podcast, where we delve into the untold narratives shaping the European landscape. In a continent rich with diverse cultures and perspectives, it's crucial to shine a light on stories that often go unnoticed beyond local borders.
Joined by a diverse panel including documentary maker Justin Vicat-Blanc, writer Louise Mutabazi, journalist Clara Grisot, and podcast creator Laetitia Chabannes, we'll explore the intricate tapestry of European identity through the lens of local storytellers. So, sit back, relax, and join us as we unravel the threads of Europe's multifaceted narrative.
Check it out here:
Cluj-Napoca: Co-Media @ Căminul Subcultural
Step into the world of Romanian media with this podcast episode. With The Circle Cluj hub, we delve deep into the intricacies of Romania's media landscape, exploring its evolving trends and contemporary challenges. From the rise of digital platforms and their influence on media creation and consumption, to the impact of globalisation, and the casualisation of journalists’ labour, we uncover the forces shaping the country’s media sphere.
Check it out here:
Tbilisi: The Circle x GrlzWave x Mutant Radio
Hosted at Mutant Radio’s wagon Are We Europe come together with GrlzWave to discuss their experiences of collaboration and forecasts about the future of independent cultural and media spaces interaction with European institutions. Unbias the News, an intersectional feminist digital newsroom, also joins the conversation.
Stream the conversation here: https://soundcloud.com/mutantradio/panel-talk-mutant-radio-x-are-we-europe-x-grlzwave-27102022
Naples: Changing the narratives on the Mediterranean
In this episode, we meet with some of the founding members of what is now Marea Media: a group of young media professionals based in Naples, Italy who are looking to change narratives on southern Italy and the Mediterranean. They talk about the challenges they face as journalists and media professionals working and living in Southern Italy. From ensuring the safety and dignity of journalists to the difficulty of securing funds to continue important projects, the group openly talk about what needs to change and how they plan on doing it.
Check it out here:
Belgrade: Denouncing the challenges of the Serbian media landscape
In Belgrade, the last of the 8 cities visited by the Circle, Hostwriter and the Circle participants discuss the challenges faced by journalists in Serbia - from mental health to financial pressures and government control. The need to support independent media and uphold European media freedom standards emerges, making the Belgrade hub's work to raise public awareness of the condition of journalism in the country important and urgent.
One of the speakers in this podcast, the investigative journalist Milivoje Pantovic, passed away in April 2024. The Belgrade hub remains committed to creating safer working conditions for journalists in Serbia.
Check it out here: