The Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN) is announcing an open call for the Digital Rights and Freedoms Journalist Fellowship 2024, designed to mentor journalists and media outlets in producing investigative stories that highlight the critical challenges of digital rights violations.
Empowering Journalism in the Digital Age
Awarded journalists will have a unique opportunity to collaborate closely with BIRN editors and our specialized digital rights team. As part of the fellowship, you will gain access to BIRN’s comprehensive monitoring database along with other valuable resources to support your investigative work. This collaboration is designed to equip you with the tools and knowledge necessary to delve deep into digital rights issues and produce impactful journalism. Ultimately, your written content, upon editors’ approval, will be showcased as a long-form investigative piece on one of the BIRN channels – including but not limited to Balkan Insight, BIRD and local BIRN websites – offering a platform for amplifying your work with the aim of informing and engaging a wide audience.
Fellowship Overview
In an era where digital rights and freedoms are under increasing threat, the need for vigilant, informed and courageous journalism has never been more crucial. From the misuse of algorithms and the spread of hate speech to breaches of privacy and unchecked surveillance, digital spaces are becoming battlegrounds for rights and freedoms. The Digital Rights and Freedoms Project Fellowship aims to equip journalists with the financial support, mentoring and training they need to navigate and report on these complex issues, fostering an informed public discourse.
What We Offer
- Grants of 1,000 euros for individual journalists or collaborative teams, intended to support six months of research focused on in-depth storytelling related to digital rights and freedoms.
- On-the-job mentoring from BIRN editors and our Digital Rights Support Team, plus a two-day online training session to hone your investigative skills.
- Networking opportunities with like-minded journalists and tech researchers across the region, building a network of professionals dedicated to safeguarding digital rights.
Who Can Apply?
- Professional journalists and tech researchers, both individuals and teams, from media outlets from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Turkey.
- Previous participants in BIRN trainings are especially encouraged to apply.
- We welcome cross-border team applications, to foster regional collaboration.
Application Process
To apply for the Digital Rights and Freedoms Project Fellowship, please use this Google Form to submit your application. Ensure you include:
- A detailed proposal outlining your intended story or investigation, focusing on its relevance, originality and potential impact.
- Your professional CV, with an emphasis on your past work in journalism or digital rights research.
- A declaration form, affirming the authenticity of the information provided and your commitment to the project’s ethical standards.
Submission Deadline: July 31, 2024
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Relevance and significance of the proposed story
- Feasibility and originality
- Applicant’s professional qualifications and experience
A committee established by BIRN’s editorial team and an external professional will review the proposals.
Contact Us
For more information, please contact applications@birnnetwork.org.
Join us in our mission to defend digital rights and freedoms. Apply now for the Digital Rights and Freedoms Project Fellowship 2024!
Izvor: birn.eu.com
