Critical and independent media play a crucial role in the development of peace, justice and democracy throughout the world. The degree of political freedom and economic power in any society depends to a large extent on whether the media are able successfully to form public opinion by providing comprehensive information and by acting as a critical check on the political powers.
The basic condition enabling the media to fulfil this role responsibly is that the journalists are well trained and work to the highest professional standards.
The IIJ offers a range of training programmes in Germany and abroad. These programmes are aimed at strengthening the professional competence and the ethical standards of newspaper, news agency and online journalists in the partner countries of the German development co-operation.
Aims and content of the programmes
The aim of the programmes is to improve the conditions under which responsible political decisions and sustainable economic and social development can be made in the target countries.
The course content considers the main topics of German development co-operation. A heavy emphasis is placed on politics and economics. A wide variety of programmes dealing with the following subjects is planned:
Online journalism and combating the digital divide
Reporting the economy
Reporting politics; promoting democratisation; dealing with conflicts
Environmental reporting
Electronic sub-editing
Training of trainers
The training courses strengthen the professional skills of the journalists and offer a platform for them to exchange experiences and ideas. The emphasis of the courses is on practical work designed to improve journalistic know-how and competence. The IIJ believes that only journalists who respect facts and professional ethics will enable the mass media to fulfil their role in society. Journalistic tools dealt with in this context are, for example, reporting, writing, editing, editorial management and press laws.
Target groups and entry conditions
The IIJ programmes are designed for journalists working for newspapers, news agencies and online services in the target countries of the German development co-operation. Priority is given to independent newspapers. Other programmes are designed for trainers working in journalism schools and journalism faculties of universities. Applicants should have at least four years’ professional experience and be in permanent employment with good chances of promotion. They should not be older than 33.
