ABSTRACT Sustainable democracy in Southeast Europe is closely tied to the level of political engagement among young people aged 14–29. In this study, we examine how different media outlets influence political participation and interest among this population. We employ survey data collected from 10 Southeast European countries to explore this relationship. Our research shows that, except for television viewing, all information sources positively impact young people’s interest in politics and inclination to participate. Digital media exerts the strongest influence, while political discussions also prove to be significant. Furthermore, our findings indicate that the effect of media sources on political engagement is more pronounced among older respondents, suggesting an age-related moderation within this population. We also observe that the quality of national media sectors, including their commitment to safeguarding freedom of expression and competitiveness, does not significantly influence the relationship between media and political involvement. We conclude that media plays a crucial role in fostering political engagement among youths in Southeast Europe.