New training program by Thessaloniki International Media Summer Academy

Reporting Local-Regional: New tools and techniques for effective communication and sustainable business models by Thessaloniki International Media Summer Academy

Why Reporting Local-Regional: New tools and techniques for effective communication and sustainable business models

While the importance of local media is strongly supported and promoted both by media experts and institutional organizations, the number of them is declining, and the increasing lack of resources minimizes their operational capacity. An increasing number of people in regional/rural areas feel that their life and everyday surroundings are not adequately covered by the media and that their voices are not heard. Ιf local/regional media are to survive and thrive, both media owners and journalists will be benefited by training in a range of fields and skills, from alternative business models and flexible leadership to innovative newsroom operational and reporting models. 

The aim of the project is to train journalists and media owners to improve their skills in digital business, in innovative reporting techniques as well as understanding their audience and pitching their stories to European media. Moreover, the participants will learn coaching techniques for pitching.

Journalists/media owners/local correspondents will have to work every day during the training in order to produce a relevant output related to the content of the training. E.g., how to understand and analyze their audience, to restart local media in the digital era, to find money for the local media using crowdfunding platforms, to organize the newsrooms in ways that make good use of the need of local societal groups to stay updated.

Training will take place in a hybrid format 03-05 September (online) and 13-16 September offline (Thessaloniki, Greece). The work will be continued through mentoring activities in November, January, and April (online trainings). After the end of the program, THISAM remains in contact with the participants through its Alumni and mentoring services. The selected participants also will be invited also to participate in the 6th Thessaloniki International Summer Academy on Media (July 2022, Thessaloniki, Greece).

Who can apply?

Journalists and media owners can apply for this program.

Applicants must have​ a minimum of two years of professional experience and a very good level of English (minimum B2-C1).​ Fifteen candidates will be selected. The program​ is free of charge. The travel and hotel expenses, and the participation fee are covered by the host. Applicants must have valid international travel documents.

The application deadline is August 24th.

Applying is really simple – just send a motivation letter (max 500 words) and your CV in English which contains above all the following information: name, surname, the city of residence, media, position, portfolio link to joursummerschool@gmail.com or, alternatively, you can apply here.

The training is being organized with the support of the EU Delegation in Russia

and with the support of the Greek Embassy to the Russian Federation