Fellowship for Journalistic Excellence 2021: transformation

The Fellowship for Journalistic Excellence is opening its 2021 call for applications.

The programme, now in its 15^th year, provides a 3,000-euro bursary and sustained editorial support to journalists seeking to report in depth on the forces shaping societies and democracies across 14 countries in Central, Eastern and South-eastern Europe. The Fellowship emphasises strong storytelling and rigorous, on-the-ground reporting – skills traditionally associated with the best magazine journalism.

The deadline for this year’s entries is 9 April 2021. As usual, applications are solicited under an annual theme. This year’s theme is Transformation. Fellowship editor Neil Arun said the theme gave journalists “a chance to pitch a story that probed the changes that had been set in motion, or that had gathered pace, over the past year.”

The annual selection of 10 journalist Fellows is made by an independent committee. The Fellows are mentored by the programme editor in the course of their reporting, and can also draw on the support of BIRN’s regional network of journalists. In addition to financial and editorial support, the Fellowship offers:

• The chance to participate in an introductory seminar focused on reporting and storytelling techniques
• The chance to win additional awards, worth between 3.000 and 1.000 euros, for the three best stories
• Publication of finished stories in regional languages and in English, through BIRN’s network of media partners
• Membership of the Fellowship alumni network, designed to support networking between journalists who have participated in the programme

The Balkan Investigative Reporting Network and ERSTE Foundation set up the Fellowship for Journalistic Excellence in 2007.

Since then, more than 140 journalists from 14 countries in Central, Eastern and Southeast Europe have taken part in the Fellowship’s world-class programme for professional development.

In addition to Balkan journalists, since 2020 Fellowship for Journalistic Excellence is accepting applications from journalists from Visegrad countries.

Journalists wishing to apply may use the official Application form . Journalists who wish maximize their chances of a successful application can read more about the Fellowship programme , including tips from our editors.

For more information, please contact us on fellowship@birn.eu.com

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*Balkan Investigative Reporting Network

* ERSTE Foundation