Project Background: Urban FM is a political radio station with the objective of being in the “permanent opposition”, which involves broadcasting opinion from outside the mainstream since 2000. The Independent News Centre is a collaboration of four radio stations throughout Kosovo to provide an alternative source of news aside from the existing state broadcaster, RTK, and the couple of private broadcasters who tend to follow its line. OXAB would send Oxford students with journalistic experience to Pristina to work on this independent news service and cover events going on in Kosovo (press conferences by UNMIK/OSCE/EULEX are in English) and as native speakers will be more able to ask quick questions of authorities. They would also be able to cover international events more easily.

Accommodation: There are plenty of hostels that people can stay in for approx €10 per night, such as Guest House Velania (based on 3 people sharing). Velania is the affluent housing district of Pristina and is very safe with plenty of international police and embassies in very close proximity.

Funding: The Oxford student would be expected to pay the vast majority (if not all) of their own costs

Skill base of the volunteer required: Journalism experience

Development and future opportunities: Work with larger media organisations Potential Partnerships: Student newspapers, e.g. Oxford Student and Cherwell, Isis, Oxford Media Society

Possible security and safety concerns: Some threats from Kosovan nationalists around 2000 “Peace Train” project. There are some ongoing threats by e-mail (but not thought to be serious – check beforehand). People may have to be more wary about covering rallies etc. (including insurance implications).

Last updated: April 26th, 2009