Deadline: 31-May-2026
The Editor Safety Cohort Program is accepting applications for a professional training programme focused on safe commissioning practices for journalists, freelancers, and local sources operating in challenging environments across Southeast Asia.
The programme supports editors by strengthening newsroom safety practices, improving freelancer protection, and building regional peer-learning networks focused on journalism safety and responsible editorial decision-making.
Programme Focus Areas
The programme supports:
- Safe commissioning practices
- Journalist and source protection
- Newsroom safety protocols
- Freelancer safety and support
- Editorial risk management
- Peer learning and regional collaboration
- Safety-focused editorial leadership
- Information sharing and best practices
The initiative is tailored for editors working under political, economic, and security-related pressures.
Programme Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Improve editorial safety practices
- Strengthen protection for freelancers and local sources
- Support editors facing restrictive or high-risk environments
- Build practical newsroom safety skills
- Encourage regional collaboration among media professionals
Training Format
Participants will take part in:
- Structured weekly webinars
- Online practical exercises
- Peer discussions and learning sessions
- Individual coaching support
The programme uses:
- The ACOS and WAN-IFRA online course: The Fundamentals of Safe Commissioning
Sessions focus on applying practical safety approaches to real newsroom situations.
Participant Benefits
Selected participants will receive:
- Free participation in the programme
- Practical tools for safer commissioning
- Guidance on freelancer and source protection
- Peer-learning opportunities with regional editors
- One individual 60-minute coaching session
- Certificate upon successful completion
Available Places
The programme offers:
- 15 fully funded places
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants include editors:
- Based in Southeast Asia
- Or covering Southeast Asian countries
Eligible countries:
- Brunei Darussalam
- Cambodia
- Indonesia
- Lao PDR
- Malaysia
- Myanmar
- Philippines
- Thailand
- Timor-Leste
- Vietnam
Applicants must:
- Work in editorial or commissioning roles
- Have English proficiency
- Be able to participate in online sessions
Course Requirements
Participants are required to:
- Complete mandatory stages of The Fundamentals of Safe Commissioning course
- Participate in practical exercises and discussions
Estimated course duration:
- Approximately 3 to 5 hours
All sessions will be conducted:
- Online via Zoom
- In English
Tips for Applicants
Strong applications should:
- Demonstrate editorial responsibilities
- Explain challenges faced in newsroom safety
- Show commitment to journalist and source protection
- Highlight interest in regional collaboration and learning
Editors working with freelancers or in high-risk reporting environments may particularly benefit from the programme.
FAQ
Who can apply?
Editors based in or covering Southeast Asia with editorial or commissioning responsibilities.
Is the programme free?
Yes. Fifteen selected participants will receive fully funded participation.
What topics are covered?
Safe commissioning, freelancer protection, newsroom safety, source protection, and editorial risk management.
What is the training format?
The programme includes webinars, practical exercises, peer learning, and one-on-one coaching.
Will participants receive a certificate?
Yes. Participants who complete the course successfully will receive a certificate.
Conclusion
The Editor Safety Cohort Program strengthens safe commissioning practices and newsroom safety across Southeast Asia. Through practical training, peer learning, and coaching support, the programme helps editors better protect journalists, freelancers, and sources while improving responsible editorial decision-making in challenging reporting environments.
For more information, visit ACOS Alliance.