Deadline: 14-Jun-21
The Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty has opened the applications for Jiri Dienstbier Journalism Fellowship to provide mentoring and support for outstanding journalists dedicated to promoting human rights and democracy in their target regions.
Fellows are selected as a result of a highly competitive process. They are placed with an appropriate language service at RFE/RL’s Prague headquarters to receive on-the-job training and mentoring, while working alongside RFE/RL’s seasoned professionals. Programs equip Fellows with cutting-edge journalistic skills, and involve them in the daily editorial debates and discussions that inform a professional and independent press so that they may become standard-bearers of the profession and leaders in their communities, on-line, on air, and in the world.
The Jiri Dienstbier Journalism Fellowship is available to aspiring, independent journalists in the western Balkans. 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.
Main 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.
- Understanding of the mission and practice of a professional, free, and independent media.
Eligibility Criteria
- 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.
- Fellowships are awarded on a competitive basis. Eligible applicants will be from one of the five target countries; have a minimum of two years’ experience working as a journalist in their native language; be committed to working as a journalist in, or for audiences in, their home country; share RFE/RL´s mission; and be proficient in English.
- A complete application includes the following materials:
- Personal statement
- 3 Work samples
- 2 letters of recommendation
- Curriculum Vitae, including current contact information
- Letter to Jirí Dienstbier Sr.
- In addition, please let them know how you learned about the Fellowship (e.g., RFE/RL’s website, Facebook, a professional or academic reference, etc.).
- Application materials must be submitted in English.
- Candidates may be contacted and asked to participate in a telephone, Skype or in-person interview as part of the application process.
For more information, visit https://pressroom.rferl.org/call-for-applications-jiri-dienstbier-journalism-fellowship-2020-2021