CIN celebrates 11 years of work

The Center for Investigative Journalism (CIN) from Sarajevo celebrates its 11th birthday today. This media organization started working in October 2004 with the help of a USAID grant, with technical assistance and support from the Journalism School of the University of New York and the Journalism Development Group company, reports the Patria News Agency.

CIN is a self-governing and independent organization whose work is recognized by the wider public. CIN's articles and data from databases are used by other media outlets, as well as by students in their academic work.

In the past year, CIN has published more than 80 articles, news items, and video reports warning the public about corruption and the irrational spending of taxpayer money. Databases on public procurement and officials' rights to use the "white bread" benefit have been published, as well as a specialized platform on the energy potential in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).

- What particularly pleases us is that CIN's articles encourage citizens, as well as decision-makers, to change things for the better - says Renata Radić-Dragić, editor-in-chief of CIN.

- CIN has filed several lawsuits against state institutions that denied the right to access data. "We have won judgments against four institutions and obtained the requested data," says Mirjana Popović, a journalist who participated in the creation of all lawsuits against institutions. She hopes this will influence institutions not to hide information, but also citizens to make greater use of their right to know how their money is being spent.

CIN employs 20 people, including editors, journalists, administrative, and support staff. In the past year, the newsroom has been awarded four journalism awards, including: two European Union awards for investigative journalism in BiH, the Anti-Corruption Network in BiH award for the best written report on corruption, and the "Srđan Aleksić" journalism award for professional reporting on marginalized and vulnerable groups in BiH society and for the development of socially responsible journalism.

- Working at CIN is a great opportunity for me, which I received at the very beginning of my career. Here, with great help from more experienced colleagues, I can learn about objective and fact-based journalism. All of this has restored my faith in this profession and the existence of professional standards within it - says one of the youngest members of the newsroom, Milica Brčkalo.

CIN's work is financially supported by international institutions and organizations, including: Open Society Foundations, SIDA, NED, the British Embassy, USAID, BTD.

CIN Director Laila Bičakčić says that donors see the vision of good journalism as a link between citizens and social change.

- CIN continuously develops in line with market demands - what we see today as a form of investigative text may tomorrow be promoted in a multimedia format: video, graphics, visual elements, etc. - all with the aim of providing citizens with easy access and a clear presentation of the situation in the areas we cover - says Bičakčić.

In her opinion, CIN is a leader in investigative journalism in BiH and should remain in that position.