Considering the fragile state of democracy in the Western Balkans, skills in crisis reporting such as covering riots and protests but also elections are essential for maintaining high professional standards, as well as for maintaining the personal safety of journalists.

Journalists are often targeted by smear campaigns in the tabloid press and social media for doing their work professionally. They also face difficulties in preserving their digital security and keeping their work and sources safe.

This regional training is designed to answer these challenges by using a multi-sector approach, involving experts in different related fields to share their knowledge and skills. Practical simulations will take place in order to demonstrate adequate techniques for responding to attacks, as well as how to act pre-emptively.

The aim of the regional training camp is to provide journalists with specialized knowledge that helps them protect themselves and their newsrooms from different kinds of attacks, including physical attacks, legal actions such as Strategic Litigation Against Public Participation – SLAPP lawsuits, as well as to preserve their digital security.

A wide range of trainers and guest speakers will administer the sessions including BIRN managing editors and other external guest speakers.

Who can apply?

Final-year journalism students, recent graduates and young and professional journalists from the region, including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Turkey and Serbia, may apply for the course.

Candidates from across the region are encouraged to apply.

How to apply?

All applications should be submitted in Albanian, Serbian or English by May 31, 2023, at midnight Central European Time to aritasuhodolli@jetanekosove.com along with the following documents:

• Applicant’s CV
• Work Sample
• Motivation Letter

Applicants who do not have any published work can submit their student assignments from practical courses in journalism.

The motivation letter should provide information about the applicant’s opinion and knowledge of the topic and should not exceed 400 words.

Language:

The training will be held in English. Translation into Albanian and Serbian will be provided.

Location:

The training will take place in Durres, Albania. Details about the agenda and accommodation will be provided to the selected participants.

Deadline for applications: 12:00, Central European Time, May 31, 2023

Date of the training course: June 16 – 18, 2023

Remarks:

Travel costs and accommodation will be covered by BIRN.