Sasa Dobrijevich An award-winning Serbian international journalist and founder of the Intercontinental Connection of Journalists (ICJ), a global media initiative to address structural gaps in journalism. Beginning his career at the age of 19, he gained experience across the European media landscape, including work in Munich. His leadership focuses on creating accessible publishing platforms, supporting freelancers and students, and fostering cross-border collaboration. Dobrijević emphasizes investigative reporting, freedom of the press, and technological adaptation as necessary to sustain the democratic practice of journalism.
In this interview, Scott Douglas Jacobsen Sasa spoke to Dobrijević about the rise in threats to journalists, the need for digital hygiene and the collective protection needed across the profession. Dobrijević argues that investigative journalism is particularly important in 2026, given widespread corruption and democratic backsliding. He emphasizes professional training, mentorship, encrypted communication, and cross-border solidarity as essential safeguards. Through the ICJ, he envisions forums, collaborative investigations, and a global reporting network connecting journalists with trusted local sources. He also emphasizes that the permanent constant in journalism is the reporter’s perspective, while the younger generation is bringing courage, strength and speed to the field today.
Scott Douglas Jacobsen: We are seeing high levels of harassment, assault, abuse, imprisonment, and even killing of journalists. Given the evolving technological landscape, what should journalists consider about personal safety and digital hygiene?
Sasa Dobrijevich: This is an important point. I recently completed investigative journalism training that addressed these concerns in detail. It covers data protection, securing social media accounts, protecting communications and methods to reduce the risk of surveillance or tracking.
Practical tools are available, but journalists should receive professional training to understand how to use them effectively. Many institutions offer structured programs, often with certification. Organizations such as Agence France-Presse and Al Jazeera offer high-quality training and consultancy in this area. These programs provide detailed guidance on how journalists can protect themselves in both digital and physical environments.
This is directly related to my work on media freedom. During a recent conference in Bonn, I spoke with journalists from several countries about their experiences. They described pressures ranging from political constraints to security risks and restrictions on press freedom.
I plan to publish a series through ICJ based on these interviews, featuring first-hand accounts from journalists around the world. These perspectives highlight the challenges they face and the changes needed to ensure journalists can work more freely and safely.
We need greater unity and a stronger collective voice. The ICJ intends to contribute to this. Beyond providing a platform and press credentials, it will organize regular forums where journalists can voice concerns, share experiences and collaboratively develop solutions. These discussions may lead to joint reports addressing systemic issues in the profession.
Bringing together diverse perspectives—across regions, experiences, and areas of expertise—can strengthen the field. Journalists must deepen their understanding of personal safety and security. Professional mentorship and training are essential, and I would like to incorporate such skills into the ICJ platform.
At the policy level, there are ongoing efforts to improve security. The European Union has begun to advance legal changes aimed at supporting journalists. These developments are promising, although their long-term effectiveness remains to be seen.
Numerous organizations are actively engaged in this work, including the International Federation of Journalists, the European Federation of Journalists and Reporters Without Borders. Their advocacy and advocacy efforts are significant, and collaboration with such organizations has been valuable.
Through my reporting, I encountered cases that illustrate the severity of the problem: an Eritrean journalist detained for years without apparent justification; An American journalist working under restrictions in China; Serbian journalist arrested without reason. In one case, the legal support of the Committee to Protect Journalists was crucial.
These experiences reinforce the need for collective visibility and solidarity. When journalists amplify each other’s work, it increases accountability and the potential for change. A coordinated response can help bring attention to violations and pressure organizations to act.
Jacobsen: Do journalists need more now? For example, photojournalists, investigative journalists or opinion writers—what is most needed in the current geopolitical climate?
All forms of journalism are important. However, investigative journalism is currently particularly critical. Global corruption is a pervasive problem that requires rigorous examination. Investigative reports play a central role in uncovering these realities and holding systems accountable.
In this sense, investigative journalism is a defining priority for the profession in 2026.
There is a growing need for stronger connections between journalists. Video and photography are particularly important in this context. I have often collaborated with radio journalists, who often display an individual and highly collaborative approach.
For example, during a volcanic eruption in Indonesia, I contacted a colleague on the ground. He provided an interview, a statement and footage of the event. The result was as if I was there myself. This illustrates the basic idea behind the intercontinental connectivity of journalists: a network where journalists can rely on each other to report directly in different regions.
This model supports quick access to local insights. If a journalist needs information about an event anywhere in the world, they can connect with a trusted colleague to contribute directly.
Additionally, I aim to develop cross-border research projects. Through the ICJ Forum, participants can propose topics and form collaborative groups. Journalists with shared interests can work together across countries, combining skills and perspectives. This approach strengthens investigative work through knowledge sharing and collaborative efforts.
Jacobsen: What areas of journalism do you see changing less? Much attention is paid to technological change, but what remains constant—what is perennial in the profession?
Dobrijevic: That is an interesting question. The most consistent element of journalism is the journalist’s point of view—the angle of observation. While geopolitical reporting is highly valued today, the essence of journalism remains unchanged: it depends on individuals asking questions and shaping stories.
I have experienced situations where multiple journalists covered the same event, yet produced completely different reports. The difference lies in identifying key sources, asking the right questions, and capturing what really matters. Journalism is defined as how a story is created and communicated.
Even when important information is uncovered, it can be ineffective if not presented properly. The ability to convey a story clearly and meaningfully is essential.
Jacobsen: Talent remains a prominent factor. Are we still seeing talented people enter journalism, or are they being discouraged?
Dobrijevic: I don’t believe people are getting discouraged. A different force is emerging. In discussions with international figures, including a UN representative, about the right to assembly, I learned about massive student-led protests around the world.
These movements show that the younger generation is engaged and willing to work. Their courage creates momentum and motivation for others. This indicates that new entrants to journalism are not discouraged, but encouraged by current events.
Despite ongoing conflicts and anti-democratic pressures, there is a noticeable change. People are becoming more willing to speak up and take risks. This change is widely felt.
If the younger generation is ready to act and speak out, there is little reason for journalists to hesitate to follow the truth and report compelling stories.
Unity is also essential. Collective action strengthens the profession. When journalists support each other, it reduces personal vulnerability and increases the likelihood that important stories will be heard.
When individuals are alone, concerns about safety are greater. However, when journalists work together and support each other, their collective voice becomes significantly more powerful.
When a small number of individuals hold power, they can control a large population. However, when larger masses converge, maintaining that control becomes more difficult. This change reduces fear and changes the balance of influence.
We are already seeing this dynamic in practice. In many cases, corruption has been uncovered, and political careers have ended as a result of prolonged investigative work. As more journalists contribute to uncovering these stories, accountability increases. This represents an important structural change. Fear diminishes as collective action becomes stronger.
Observing the energy of the younger generation is particularly instructive. Their engagement and willingness to work act as a source of momentum and motivation.
Jacobsen: Thank you so much for the opportunity and your time, Sasha.
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Scott Douglas Jacobsen A writer-editor for Good Men Project With over 1,800 publications on the platform. He is its founder and publisher In-Site Publishing (ISBN: 978-1-0692343; 978-1-0673505) and its editor-in-chief In-Site: Interview (ISSN: 2369-6885). He writes for International Policy Digest (ISSN: 2332-9416), humanist (Print: ISSN, 0018-7399; Online: ISSN, 2163-3576), Basic Income Earth Network (UK registered charity 1177066), Humanist perspective (ISSN: 1719-6337), A further investigation (substack), vocal, moderate, New lighting project, Washington Outsider, rabble.caand other media. His bibliography can be found through the index Jacobsen Bank In-Site Publishing has more than 10,000 articles, interviews and republications in more than 200 outlets. He has held national and international leadership roles within humanitarian and media organizations, held several academic fellowships, and currently serves on several boards. He is a member in good standing of numerous media organizations including Canadian Journalists Association, Penn Canada (CRA: 88916 2541 RR0001), and Reporters Without Borders (SIREN: 343 684 221/SIRET: 343 684 221 00041/EIN: 20-0708028), and others.
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