Extended deadline for application for IRIS Networking Media Caravan
Application deadline: October 11th, 2019.
In the framework of the EU-funded project IRIS NETWORKing CSOs for protection sensitive migration management, implemented by Development and Cooperation (IDC) in cooperation with partners ASB South East Europe, LIR CD BiH, La Strada-Open Gate Republic of North Macedonia, Initiative for Social Change ARSIS Albania and SOS TELEPHONE Montenegro, a Media Caravan for 20 journalists from media outlets in Western Balkans (WB) will be organised.
The Media Caravan will be organized October 27 – November 1, 2019 (indicative date).
About the Media Caravan
The European migrant crisis, since its beginning in 2015, has been marked by a trend of portraying the migrants in a negative light which is often manifested as racism or xenophobia. Unfortunately, this type of rhetoric is not limited to just one country but has become dominant on the European level. Media in WB failed to provide detailed and reliable information about the refugee crisis because of stretched editorial resources and due to the lack of presence of well-informed journalists able to provide in-depth and sensitive reporting. Moreover, reports about refugees and migrants were coloured by hyperbole and intolerance and confusion over what are the correct terms to use to describe migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers. Even though major reduction in migrant numbers in countries along the WB Route led to fewer headlines on this topic in Serbia, North Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina “horror stories” about refugees and migrants are still very present. Such stories are transferred to the other media outlets in the region. The predominant negative picture of the “villain migrant” can be changed in the perception of the general public by using various channels – from the traditional media through social media.
The overall objective of Balkan Media caravan “Migration in Journalism” is to shift the prevailing perception that each and every migrant is automatically a criminal and to point out that they are human beings that have to be treated with respect and have certain rights that must not be broken. The caravan will gather 20 young journalists of reputable national and local radio stations, television, newspapers and/or digital media on the 6-day training aimed at sensitization of reporting about migrants and refugees while tackling the topics of integration of migrants and reintegration of returnees into the society.
The Media Caravan will include training/workshops/lectures from human rights defenders and journalists from the region and field visits to refugee camps in North Macedonia, Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the possibility to conduct interviews with migrant/refugee /returnees in these countries.
Main topics that will be cowered during the training/workshops/lectures, amongst all are the following: 1) Who is refugee, migrant, IDP and returnee? Why is term illegal immigrant not correct? 2) Human rights issues arising in the context of mix migration; 3) Ethic in journalism: Hate speech and challenges in modern journalism; 4) Quality reporting on migration: Creating moving stories and covering sensitive issues; 5) Reinforce freedom of expression and equality in the media etc.
Participants will be journalists from media outlets in Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and B&H.
The Media Caravan will last 6 days and will be organised in North Macedonia, Serbia and BiH.
The Media Caravan will start in Macedonia and will travel to Serbia and BiH. Participants / journalists will have the opportunity to produce appealing stories during the event. The participants / journalists will prepare, as an output of the Media Caravan, up to 15 reports in their media outlets, which will be prepared under the guidance of experienced trainers/journalists and which will be published/broadcasted by journalists in/on their media outlets.
Besides training and field visits to migrant reception and transit camps in 3 countries the participants / journalists will have an opportunity to meet local CSOs providers of social services to migrants/refugees/returnees and meeting with the representatives from local health institutions.
What does IRIS Network expect from you?
- Willingness to learn about migrant management in Western Balkan
- Need to increase professional capacity in the area of migrant management, integration of vulnerable groups, with focus migrants/refugees/returnees
- Conduct interviews and prepare reports/article/reportage during visits to migrant camps which will contribute to social integration of migrants/refugees/returnees into local communities
- Up to 15 media outputs need to be prepared by Media Caravan participants or minimum 2 media outputs per participant
- A proactive attitude
Education, key skills and competences of applicants
- High school diploma required, BA/MA in journalism/political science/law will be seen as an advantage
- Good command of English
- Proven track record in covering social and/or migration issues
- Familiar with migrant management in Western Balkans
- Proven experience as a journalist in a media outlet in Western Balkan countries (print/electronic/online)
- Young journalists up to 35 years of age, however journalists above this age are also welcome as participants
Please note that this call is exclusively open for media operating in Western Balkans (Albania, North Macedonia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro).
How to apply
If you are interested in participating in the Media Caravan please send:
- your CV in Europass format
- 1 page cover letter that clearly states your motivation and your objectives/learning outcomes following the Media Caravan
- Recommendation Letter from your current employer – media outlet
to Sanja Vukelic at sanja.vukelic@asb-see.org and cc to Jelena Leskovac at iris@iris-see.eu by October, 11th 2019
Assessment of applications
The assessment of applications (in order to be placed on the shortlist) will be based on the application submitted by the candidate. Please clearly indicate in the motivation letter of your application:
- How the Media Caravan will impact your professional capacities and your media outlet’s
Terms and conditions
The following costs will be covered during the 6 day Media Caravan:
- Travel costs
- Accommodation costs
- Meals (3 meals per day)
- Health insurance
The participants will cover by themselves costs that are not indicated above.
