Deadline: 3-Jun-22
RFE/RL is pleased to accept applications for the Jiri Dienstbier Journalism Fellowship to help aspiring journalists from the Western Balkans pursue their profession in support of media pluralism and independence.
It is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic and RFE/RL that is inspired by Jiri Dienstbier Sr.’s contributions to journalism, foreign policy, and human rights. It aims to further RFE/RL’s legacy of promoting more just and open societies through journalism.
Components
The main components of the program are:
- Professional mentoring alongside RFE/RL’s seasoned professionals.
- Training and development of journalistic skills on traditional, multi-media, and digital platforms.
- Participation in the daily editorial discussions that inform a professional and independent press.
- Independent work on a personal project.
- Understa nding of the mission and practice of a professional, free, and independent media.
Benefits
- The Fellowship is a seven-month program. Fellows will spend six months at RFE/RL’s headquarters in Prague, where they will be placed with the Balkan Service to receive daily, on-the-job training and mentoring while working alongside RFE/RL’s seasoned professionals. For two weeks before the term in Prague, Fellows may be assigned to an RFE/RL bureau in the region to gain an understanding of RFE/RL’s local role and editorial practices, and meet local staff. After Prague, Fellows will return to the bureau for the final month.
- A monthly stipend at the bureau and in Prague, housing, health insurance, and travel arrangements to and from Prague shall be provided.
Criteria
- The Fellowship also features workshops on journalistic practices and tools, discussions with government officials, civic leaders and regional analysts; visits to local media and news agencies in Prague; and professional development opportunities in the Czech Republic and elsewhere.
- Fellows will be expected to represent themselves and the Fellowship, in English, in public events and discussions relating to media freedom in their country.
- The Fellowship accepts applications from journalists in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia.
For more information, visit https://pressroom.rferl.org/call-for-applications-jiri-dienstbier-journalism-fellowship-2020-2021