The impact of six months of fellowship for cross-border collaboration
In today’s media landscape, where global challenges often transcend national borders, cross-border collaboration in investigative journalism has become more essential than ever. That’s why Free Press Unlimited co-organised a Collaborative Journalism Fellowship that brought together 20 journalists from across Europe to create impactful cross-border investigations.
This Fellowship was part of the Collaborative and Investigative Journalism Initiative (CIJI), a partnership between Free Press Unlimited, Reporters Without Borders (RSF), and Tactical Tech (TT), and ran from April until August 2024. The aim was to provide participants with the skills, resources, and networks necessary to lead impactful, cross-border investigations, especially in a time when journalistic collaboration can amplify the power of investigative reporting.
About the fellowship
The fellowship’s participants, representing diverse regions, had the opportunity to share expertise and build lasting connections. Throughout the programme, fellows participated in-person meetings and in online training sessions on topics ranging from project management and budgeting to investigative techniques like data journalism. A robust mentorship component ensured that participants received personalised guidance as they refined their story pitches into collaborative projects.
In addition to training, fellows had access to a network of European media outlets and peers, creating the foundation for long-term collaborative investigations. A critical objective of the fellowship was to help participants not only develop stories but also acquire essential administrative and financial skills needed for successful cross-border investigations.
Building skills and strengthening networks
The Collaborative Journalism Fellowship offered much more than just training – it fostered critical connections and broadened the perspectives of participants. For many, the opportunity to collaborate across borders and learn from fellow journalists was a highlight of the experience.
One fellow reflected on the essential nature of communication, saying, “Cross-border investigations don’t happen magically, but through sustained effort, time, and excellent communication.”
New priorities
During the programme some participants expressed a desire for more in-person, hands-on workshops to deepen their skills in technical areas. Fellowship coordinator Carolyn Thompson also reflected on the need for more time allocated to technical training during in-person meetings. This is an area we plan to prioritise in future programmes, ensuring participants leave with both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise.
Future directions
By the end of the fellowship, ten collaborative project teams had been formed, with seven submitting proposals for CIJI reporting grants. Of these, four teams were awarded grants, allowing them to pursue investigations into critical issues ranging from environmental accountability to human rights. These projects reflect the wide-ranging impact of the fellowship and the diverse topics that can be explored through cross-border collaboration.
With CIJI, Free Press Unlimited will continue to foster collaborative journalism that is not only high-quality but also ethical and impactful. It remains focused on equipping journalists with the skills they need to navigate the complexities of cross-border investigations, providing them with the tools and support to address global challenges.
