Three Co-Working and Co-Production spaces for exiled journalists
Berlin is becoming an important place for independent media in exile. Especially since the beginning of the Russian war of aggression, many media professionals who have fled continue to report from here and together reach millions of people in their countries. These media and journalists need places where they can continue their work efficiently and in exchange with colleagues. With the support of the JX Fund, three co-working and co-production spaces are now being created in Berlin.
In recent years, and especially since the start of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine, many independent media professionals from Belarus and Russia have had to leave their countries. Furthermore, many journalists and media projects from Ukraine are – at least temporarily – in Germany, although most of the Ukrainian journalists have decided to stay in their country to report from there. Altogether, hundreds have come to Germany, from where they continued their journalistic work – very often in improvised and inadequate working environments.
DIVERSE NEEDS
For most media workers who have fled, work in their new location begins in a home office. On the long run, however, this leads to significant disruptions in the production process. Media need safe places for regular meetings. Podcast recordings are not possible in most living conditions, especially since the technology is expensive. Anyone living in Berlin knows all too well that even reliable Internet is not always given, depending on the neighborhood. It is not easy to understand the new media landscape, the legal situation and work culture within, and to organize everyday professional life efficiently accordingly, especially not for freelancers. Without an appropriate infrastructure, there is a risk that the exile media will not be able to continue their impressive work.
MULTIFUNCTIONAL PLACES
Starting this summer, three new locations for co-working and co-production will offer urgently needed workspaces for exiled media professionals in Berlin. Necessary office equipment, meeting rooms, recording and editing suites, reliable Internet and well-thought-out security concepts: the offer is geared to needs. At the same time, the locations offer opportunities for exchange and networking – also with German and international colleagues -, consulting services on topics such as tax law or fundraising, and technical training. In this way, the community of exile media is to be strengthened in the long term. For people in Belarus and Russia in particular, exile media continue to provide access to independent information.
The project is supported by funds from the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media (BKM).
For more information, please contact info@jx-fund.org.