Balkan Investigative Reporting Network launches an Emergency Media Support Fund within the EU funded project Strengthening Quality News and Independent Journalism in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia and Turkey.
The Balkan Investigative Reporting Network is launching an Emergency media support fund to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on journalists.
Through this fund BIRN aims to increase cooperation between journalists in the region and their knowledge and skills through joint cooperation on cross-border investigative stories.
The stories should be original, evidence-based and rich in context, showing new or broader insights into the region.
Investigative Fund is looking for investigative stories in the background of the COVID-19 pandemic. The organizers want to hear from journalists who will investigate abuse of power and fundamental rights, corruption and organized crime, disregard to rule of law, transparency, domestic and gender based violence and all those wrongdoings that are happening in the background of the global pandemic.
Who can apply?
Regional teams with professional freelance or staff journalists are eligible to apply for the fund. Journalists can also apply individually, and BIRN will help them by connecting them with reporters in other countries in case they want to form a cross-border team.
How to apply?
Applicants should complete and submit only one application with one proposal. The application must be completed in English.
Download the application form from the Fund’s website.
- Filled out application form (attached to this CfA) with clear and relevant topic proposal regarding the COVID-19 pandemic
- Proposals should be developed independently by applicants. It is your responsibility to ensure you can devote enough time to researching and reporting the story and publishing the final article through BIRN
- If you are a staff journalist – potential to reach audience via your media outlet, BIRN can work with you and your outlet for a joint-bylined article.
- Prior consent by your employer
- At least three example of your writing along with the application form. Sample articles may be in English or local languages.
- Willingness to work in regional team if you did not assemble your own
BIRN will provide logistical, financial and editorial support for the stories. Fees may vary depending on the complexity of the story, while the maximum amount per journalist in the team is 1,000.00 EUR.
Deadline for applications is 12th July.
For all inquiries please contact applications@birn.eu.com.