JX Fund – European Fund for Journalism in Exile

Independent media and journalists are needed most in the very places where they face repression and persecution. Without them, democratic discourse dwindles. And this discourse is the foundation of the freedom of information and expression. When media outlets in exile are able to reach audiences back in their countries of origin, they ensure that independent information remains available where the governments are trying to silence them. As such, the existence of independent media in exile acts as an effective counterweight to propaganda and disinformation.

Reporting is not a crime. When entire editorial teams have to leave their home country  due to repressive laws and legal threats, it’s important that they are able to continue their reporting in exile seamlessly. The JX Fund supports media outlets in exile at every step of the way – filling a previous gap in support. The efforts of the JX Fund range from resolving humanitarian difficulties in the initial arrival phase (such as residence permits, health insurance, psychological support) through to consulting on business and funding models that are tailored to the media market of their current country of residence, and developing effective strategies to ensure that they can continue to reach their target audiences back home. The overarching objective is to rebuild a sustainable media landscape in exile.

The country-specific programs of the JX Fund are tailored to the specific needs of the (exile) media from specific countries. They are developed in regular dialogue with the editorial teams in exile and in close collaboration with our partner organizations.. Nevertheless, a program that was developed for one particular country cannot simply be transferred to another one. There can be stark differences from country to country in the existing support programs as well as in the challenges faced by journalists, creating an entirely different set of needs.

The JX Fund currently has programs to support media outlets from Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine. We plan on setting up additional programs in 2023.

The media outlets in exile that we support at the JX Fund are independent, and must ascribe to the Munich Charter of Ethics on the duties and rights of journalists. This Charter includes values such as respecting the freedom of information and expression, and the obligation to independently verify information and to publish corrections when errors occur. Independent journalists should strive to contribute to an open, democratic discourse and to enrich this discourse with well-researched information.

Together with our partner organizations, the JX Fund analyzes the needs of media outlets in exile. When media outlets and journalists get in touch with us, we can then link them up with pre-existing aid programs. To assist in this work, we maintain a database that collates the services offered by various institutions, civil society organizations, and individuals.

The JX Fund awards grants of varying amounts to support media outlets in rebuilding their operations in exile. The decision on which media outlets to support is based on transparent criteria (outlined below), and on advice from a five-person expert committee. The committee meets on a regular basis to discuss applications and brings together expertise from a range of fields.

To support editorial teams to develop sustainable and financially viable media organizations, the JX Fund and its partner organizations develop projects in response to the acute needs of journalists in exile , such as the information platform “Shpargalka” or the media incubator “BIMEX”.

Is the proposed project viable?

Does the project meet our journalistic standards?

Can the media outlet reach its target audience?

Does the media outlet have the potential to establish itself in its media market for the long term?

Does the media outlet contribute to a diversity of voices through its content and its publishing formats?