The Sustainability & Media Management Training Programme (SMMTP) is designed for local and regional media managers who want to strengthen both the editorial and business sides of their organisations. The programme combines practical management skills, strategic thinking, and hands-on mentoring to help media outlets become more competitive, financially sustainable, and resilient in a rapidly changing media environment.
Participants work on real development plans for their own media organisations, learning by doing through case-based lectures, workshops, and peer exchange.
Location: Riga
This module focuses on strategic thinking and crisis management in media organisations. Participants explore story-based inquiry as a management and assessment tool, learn how investigative approaches add value, and examine crisis management through the lens of stakeholder relations. Special attention is given to funding crises and the differences between stakeholder-driven and legacy media models.
Format: Online
Participants are introduced to the fundamentals of marketing for media, including value creation, audience focus, branding, and positioning. The module covers audience segmentation, trust-building, and content value, while exploring monetisation models such as memberships, donations, events, and sponsorships. Practical workshops guide participants in developing a first draft of a marketing plan and pitch, supported by real case studies and AI tools.
Location: Riga
This executive-level module builds essential financial skills for media managers without requiring prior financial training. Participants learn to read financial statements, manage cash flow, and apply budgeting tools to real media projects. The module is highly practical and includes mentoring sessions focused on revenue streams, financial sustainability, and strategic decision-making.
Location: Riga
The final module focuses on leadership, communication, and organisational culture. Participants work on building psychological safety, leading difficult conversations, and turning conflict into constructive energy. The module concludes with leadership habit design, final presentations of development plans, and a graduation session that marks the transition from training to real-world implementation.
