This camp is a joint initiative of the EU-funded project “Strengthening Quality News and Independent Journalism in the Western Balkans and Turkey II” and “Surveillance and Censorship in the Western Balkans”, supported by the Open Society Foundation Western Balkans.
Given the delicate state of democracy in the Western Balkans, it is crucial to possess skills in crisis reporting, which include covering riots, protests and elections. These skills are vital for upholding professional standards and ensuring the safety of journalists. Journalists frequently face defamation in tabloid media and on social media for their professional conduct. They also encounter challenges in maintaining their digital security and safeguarding their work and sources.
This regional training camp is tailored to address these challenges through a multi-sectoral approach, engaging experts from various related fields to impart their knowledge and skills. The training will focus on safety as well as effective techniques for countering attacks and implementing proactive measures. Additionally, by building the capacity of journalists, we ensure they have the knowledge, skills and tools necessary to combat surveillance, censorship, and the misuse of digital technologies.
The goal of the regional training camp is to equip journalists with specialized knowledge that enables them to protect themselves and their workplace from various threats, including physical, digital and psychological attacks. The sessions will be led by a diverse group of trainers and guest speakers, including BIRN staff and distinguished external speakers.
Who can apply?
To apply for the programme, applicants are required to meet the following criteria:
- Be a resident of one of the six Western Balkans countries.
- Have at least two years of working experience in the journalism sector including freelance journalists from six Western Balkan countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia.
- Demonstrate strong motivation and a commitment to participate in the training.
BIRN is dedicated to promoting and achieving diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture, so we encourage individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups, and those with disabilities to apply.
How to apply?
Applicants interested in this regional camp should fill in the application form in English by Sunday March 30, 2025.
Selection criteria
Applications will be evaluated as follows:
| Selection Criteria | Points |
| Working Experience: At least two years of experience in journalism and freelance journalism | 50 points |
| Demonstration of strong motivation and commitment to participation in the training | 50 points |
The 20 highest-rated applicants will be selected.
Language
The training will be held in English.
Location
The training will take place in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The selected participants will receive details about the agenda and accommodation.
Deadline for applications
Sunday, March 30, 2025, 23:59 Central European Time
Dates of the training course
April 28-30, 2025
Remarks
Travel costs and accommodation will be covered by BIRN.
The training programme has been developed in partnership with A Culture of Safety (ACOS) Alliance. ACOS works to embed a culture of safety within journalism, advance safety standards, and help journalists and newsrooms implement the Freelance Journalist Safety Principles through their safety training initiatives and resources.