Call for Applications: Leadership Fellowship for Independent Media Managers

The Leadership Fellowship for Independent Media Managers is an intensive online leadership programme designed for senior media executives from Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Tunisia. Organized by The Elephant in the Room (EITR) in partnership with Free Press Unlimited (FPU), the fellowship helps independent media leaders address organizational challenges, develop strategic action plans, and strengthen sustainable public-interest journalism.

What Is the Leadership Fellowship for Independent Media Managers?

The Leadership Fellowship for Independent Media Managers is a professional development programme designed to support leaders of independent media organizations in the Southern Neighborhood region.

The fellowship focuses on helping senior media executives:

• Identify organizational challenges
• Develop practical solutions
• Strengthen leadership skills
• Improve strategic decision-making
• Build sustainable plans for their media organizations

The programme is implemented by The Elephant in the Room (EITR) in partnership with Free Press Unlimited (FPU) and funded by the European Union.

Purpose of the Fellowship

The fellowship aims to strengthen independent media organizations that serve the public interest.

Its main objectives are:

• Supporting media leadership development
• Improving organizational management
• Helping executives overcome operational challenges
• Encouraging strategic planning
• Strengthening independent journalism ecosystems

The programme recognizes the challenges faced by independent media organizations, including sustainability, management, audience development, and organizational growth.

About The Elephant in the Room (EITR) and Free Press Unlimited (FPU)

The fellowship is a collaboration between two organizations working to support independent media.

The Elephant in the Room (EITR)

EITR works on strengthening media leadership and supporting independent journalism through:

• Strategic development
• Leadership support
• Organizational improvement

Free Press Unlimited (FPU)

Free Press Unlimited supports independent media and journalists by promoting:

• Access to reliable information
• Media freedom
• Public-interest journalism
• Sustainable media organizations

Together, EITR and FPU deliver this leadership programme to strengthen media organizations in the Southern Neighborhood region.

Fellowship Focus Areas

The programme focuses on practical leadership development rather than theoretical learning.

Key areas include:

Organizational Challenge Management

Participants learn how to:

• Identify internal challenges
• Analyze organizational barriers
• Develop solutions
• Improve operational effectiveness

Strategic Planning

The fellowship supports executives in creating:

• Organizational strategies
• Improvement plans
• Long-term development approaches

Leadership Skills Development

Participants strengthen skills related to:

• Decision-making
• Team leadership
• Change management
• Organizational communication

Personalized Strategic Coaching

Participants receive:

• One-on-one coaching sessions
• Individual guidance
• Strategic feedback

The coaching helps executives create realistic action plans tailored to their organizations.

Interactive Online Learning

The fellowship includes online modules designed to provide:

• Practical tools
• Leadership knowledge
• Peer learning opportunities

Fellowship Schedule and Format

The programme will take place online.

Duration

The fellowship will run from:

August 10 to September 4, 2026

Format

The programme includes:

• Online learning sessions
• Interactive modules
• Strategic coaching sessions
• Leadership exercises

Participants can join without needing to travel.

Who Is Eligible for the Leadership Fellowship?

The fellowship is designed for senior leaders working in independent media organizations.

Eligible applicants must:

• Be based in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, or Tunisia
• Work in an independent media organization
• Hold a senior executive role
• Have authority over organizational decisions

Eligible Positions

Applicants may include:

• Media founders
• Directors
• Editors-in-chief
• Senior executives with leadership responsibilities

Ideal Candidates

The programme is suitable for media leaders who:

• Manage independent media organizations
• Face organizational challenges
• Want to improve sustainability
• Need strategic planning support
• Are interested in leadership development

Why This Fellowship Matters

Independent media organizations play an important role in providing public-interest information and supporting democratic societies.

However, many independent media outlets face challenges such as:

• Financial sustainability
• Organizational management
• Leadership transitions
• Digital transformation
• Audience engagement

This fellowship helps leaders develop practical strategies to strengthen their organizations.

Benefits of Participating in the Fellowship

Selected participants receive:

Leadership Development

Participants gain skills to:

• Manage complex organizational situations
• Lead teams effectively
• Make strategic decisions

Individual Coaching Support

Executives receive personalized guidance to:

• Address specific challenges
• Create action plans
• Improve organizational performance

Strategic Action Plans

Participants develop practical plans focused on:

• Organizational improvement
• Growth opportunities
• Sustainability

Peer Learning Opportunities

The programme allows media leaders to:

• Exchange experiences
• Learn from regional peers
• Build professional networks

How to Apply for the Leadership Fellowship

Applicants should prepare their information and submit an application according to programme requirements.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Applicants should verify that they:

• Are located in an eligible country
• Hold a senior media leadership position
• Represent an independent media organization

Step 2: Prepare Application Information

Applicants should highlight:

• Their professional background
• Their leadership role
• Organizational challenges they want to address
• Expected outcomes from participation

Step 3: Submit Application

Eligible candidates should complete the fellowship application process before the deadline announced by EITR and FPU.

Step 4: Participate in the Programme

Selected fellows will participate in:

• Online modules
• Coaching sessions
• Leadership activities
• Action plan development

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can strengthen their applications by:

• Clearly describing their leadership responsibilities
• Explaining specific organizational challenges
• Showing commitment to independent journalism
• Identifying realistic goals for improvement
• Demonstrating willingness to apply learning within their organizations

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid:

• Applying without executive authority
• Providing unclear organizational challenges
• Failing to explain expected outcomes
• Submitting incomplete information
• Applying if their organization does not meet independence requirements

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Leadership Fellowship for Independent Media Managers?

It is an intensive leadership programme that supports senior media executives in improving organizational management and developing strategic solutions.

Who organizes the fellowship?

The programme is organized by The Elephant in the Room (EITR) in partnership with Free Press Unlimited (FPU), with funding from the European Union.

Who can apply?

Senior media executives from Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Tunisia who work in independent media organizations can apply.

What positions are eligible?

Eligible applicants include founders, directors, editors-in-chief, and other executives with decision-making authority.

When will the fellowship take place?

The online programme will run from August 10 to September 4, 2026.

Is the fellowship online or in-person?

The programme is conducted online through interactive learning sessions and coaching activities.

What will participants gain from the programme?

Participants will gain leadership skills, strategic coaching, organizational improvement tools, and practical action plans for addressing media management challenges.

Conclusion

The Leadership Fellowship for Independent Media Managers 2026 provides a valuable opportunity for senior media leaders in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Tunisia to strengthen their organizations through leadership training, strategic coaching, and practical planning.

By supporting independent media executives, the programme contributes to stronger, more sustainable public-interest journalism across the Southern Neighborhood region.