Balkanalysis.com

A special note from Balkanalysis.com Director Chris Deliso.

Apologies in advance for the length of this special notification. However, if you are a regular reader of this website, or a prospective contributor or institutional partner, I would be most grateful to have a moment of your time to read it. It marks an important moment in the development of this website and its goals.

Several months have passed since the most recent article was published here. Some of our regular readers have inquired as to what the future might hold for Balkanalysis.com. I am happy to announce that work will commence soon on certain website modifications that will enhance our capacities and allow for a more focused approach to our work.

The current period of economic uncertainty and unprecedented transformations within the media industry is an exciting time. Despite the challenges facing many media bodies at the present moment, it is my belief that there are now greater opportunities than ever before for information providers that even a year ago would not have been able to participate on a level playing field.

Further, the ongoing evolution of media favors those parties whose demonstrated dedication to a topic, region or concept goes beyond the simple economics that have traditionally sustained the media industry.

Can this be assessed in qualitative terms? It will be up to readers and other information consumers to decide. We plan to test the extent to which we can exemplify this hypothesis.

A number of people have asked me throughout the last few months what the new strategy entails. Since this is largely still not available to the public, I cannot disclose much more at this stage than to say that Balkanalysis.com is going to be undergoing a slight ‘renovation’ and refocus of our energies. This is coming as a result not only of the general factors cited above, but also because of specific requests and interest voiced by external parties with interest in the region which we cover.

What does this mean for the reader? And why do I believe that this will mean an improvement in our coverage?

First, you will be seeing less ‘news’ items, less editorial, and more strictly analysis-related pieces published on the website. Second, there will also be, in addition to the usual free content available here, more opportunities to buy specific content through external distribution channels. I anticipate a greater degree of accuracy will be attained with this tightening of focus, as well as a greater depth of detail, which will be competitive with or superior in qualitative terms with other, larger media bodies providing the same service on the same topic.

Further, I intend that this will be accomplished while also retaining the full independence that has characterized the website since being established in 2003.

In order to accomplish these objectives, Balkanalysis.com will be looking to find some additional personnel, for specific in-country operations. First among these will be country editors for each of the countries we cover. Prospective candidates should feel free to communicate with us further regarding opportunities. These will be very limited, exclusive appointments, and candidates should have serious dedication to their work and a strong sense of responsibility.

Other requirements include: fluency in English and the major language of the target country; residence or frequent travel to the target country; knowledge of current affairs in at least two of the categories to be covered (politics & diplomacy, security & intelligence, business & economics, culture & tourism).

Preferred backgrounds include journalism, academia, governmental and non-governmental sector work in the greater Balkan region. There are certain benefits to be found in working with us and potential candidates should feel free to contact me for more information. Or, if you know of people who may fit the profile, please pass this notification on to them.

Finally, Balkanalysis.com will be developing new opportunities for cooperation with institutions and organizations in the region, or with interests in the region. If your organization, or one you know of, may wish to be involved, again please feel free to contact me. The possible opportunities foreseen include, but are not limited to, conferences and other public events, joint publications, research projects and training programs.

I will have more information as it becomes available. In the meantime, please share the current news with those who may be interested. I thank you once again for your attention and interest in our work.

best wishes,

Chris Deliso, Director

www.balkanalysis.com

contact(AT)balkanalysis.com