Media Lab > Baltic Network (2022-2023)

Launched in March 2022, Media Lab > Baltic Network brought together over 100 young participants from Latvia and Estonia in a six-week non-formal education journey focused on critical thinking, media literacy, and content creation. Designed and implemented by New East (Latvia) and VitaTiim (Estonia), the program aimed to build practical knowledge in combating disinformation and developing independent media content through teamwork, mentorship, and expert-led workshops.

Media Lab > Baltic Network is a non-formal media literacy program that brings together young people from Latvia and Estonia to build critical thinking and media skills. The 2022 edition began with kick-off events held simultaneously in Rēzekne (Latvia) and Narva (Estonia) on March 12, featuring over 15 guest speakers including journalists, editors, and digital experts. These sessions combined lectures and practical workshops on media literacy, fake news detection, storytelling, and journalism, and were streamed live between the two cities.

Following the launch, participants formed local teams that engaged in a six-week online challenge, completing up to 12 creative media tasks focused on fact-checking, public education about disinformation, community engagement, and original content production. Teams earned points based on the number and quality of completed tasks, with ongoing mentorship and expert guidance throughout.

The program culminated in a final stage in June 2022, where finalists were selected by a jury representing Latvia, Estonia, and the United States. The top teams participated in an accelerator residency in Valka-Valga, a border town between Latvia and Estonia, further developing their projects. The overall winning team received a €500 grant to implement their media initiative.

In October 2022, the Baltic Network launched its next edition with a one-day event in Rēzekne at the Embassy of Latgale GORS. This event featured sessions on media production, digital storytelling, community engagement, and combating disinformation, with contributions from representatives of the U.S. Embassy Riga, IREX, Baltic Centre for Media Excellence, and independent media professionals.

Notable speakers and mentors involved in the program over the years include participatory education expert Ieva Johansson (MeYou.One), journalist and media educator Viktorija Terentjeva (Baltic Centre for Media Excellence), content creator Ksenia Krushinska, media literacy specialist Sabīne Bērziņa (IREX), public diplomacy officers Nils Students and Oscar D. Avila (U.S. Embassy Riga), as well as the New East team who curated and led the program.

This program offers young participants a unique opportunity to develop practical media skills, engage with experts, and work collaboratively to address challenges in today’s complex media environment.

The program was held in English, Latvian, Estonian, and Russian, depending on location and task. Registration and coordination were managed through a central online platform.