Podcast, 30 mins
Behind the Algorithm: Disinformation in the Balkans
Media experts warn that big European brands are supporting outlets that spread false news in the Balkans. Hear how this harms trust in journalism.
20 Nov 2025 10:30
The podcast teamed up with the Balkan Free Media Initiative, a group of media and advocacy experts, to draw attention to the decline of media freedom in Southeast Europe.
We spoke to board members Peter Horrocks CBE, former director of BBC World Service, and Antoinette Nikolova, EU correspondent.
They told us how major Europe brands are funding and legitimising media outlets that disseminate disinformation in the Balkans and the impact this has on public trust in journalism.
Credits
- Host: Dr Gemma Horton (Impact Fellow for Centre for Freedom of the Media at the University of Sheffield)
- Guest: Peter Horrocks (Chair of One World Media)
- Guest: Antoinette Nikolova (EU Correspondent at the Balkan Free Media Initiative)
- Podcast Producer: Anna Jones (University Teacher at the University of Sheffield)