Media Setup

  • Projects

During their setup phase, exiled media outlets face numerous challenges, ranging from organizational and financial hurdles to the (re-)establishment of sustainable editorial structures. This critical period requires tailored support to enable these outlets to navigate the complexities of exile and lay a strong foundation for their operations.

By addressing diverse needs, from legal guidance to editorial development and professional networking, our incubator projects contribute to the resilience and sustainability of independent media in exile.

FACILITATING JOURNALISTIC INNOVATIONS:
MEDIA INCUBATOR FOR AFGHAN MEDIA START-UPS

Since the Taliban takeover in Kabul, many Afghan journalists have sought asylum abroad, facing legal and political hurdles in continuing their professional activities. The Media Incubator Program, tailored to support exiled Afghan journalists in Germany, aims to provide comprehensive assistance in developing new media projects. Offering training, guidance, and financial assistance, the program fosters connections with established media organizations to enhance integration and sustainability within the media landscape.

  • Implementation: Correctiv
  • Runtime: May – December 2024
SUCCESSFUL (RE-)LAUNCH:
BERLIN INCUBATOR FOR MEDIA IN EXILE (BIMEX)

The Berlin Incubator for Media in Exile (BIMEX) focused on equipping independent media outlets from Belarus and Russia with the knowledge and tools needed to establish sustainable operations in exile. Through compact workshops in Berlin and Brussels, BIMEX provided participating outlets with essential guidance on legal frameworks, fundraising strategies, strategic planning, and business communication. This initiative, supported by the Thomson Reuters Foundation, empowered ten media outlets to (re-)launch their businesses with enhanced capabilities and strategic direction.

  • Implementation: Journalists in Need Network (jinn)
  • Runtime: August – December 2022; July – December 2023

Supported by the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media (BKM).

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND NETWORKING:
OPPORTUNITIES FOR FREELANCE JOURNALISTS

Freelance journalists in exile face unique challenges, such as a lack of connection to permanent editorial and production structures. Through three-month placements in exiled editorial offices, training on freelancing in Germany, and format development courses, 20 freelance journalists from Belarus and Russia received tailored support to enhance their professional skills and adapt to their new environment. Networking events provided opportunities for building connections and expanding professional opportunities.

  • Implementation: European Centre for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF)
  • Runtime: August – December 2023

Supported by the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media (BKM).

TAILORED SUPPORT AND NETWORKING:
BOOST YOUR MEDIA UKRAINE INCUBATOR

Amidst the challenges posed by Russia’s aggression, the BoostYourMedia Ukraine Incubator provided tailored assistance to 10 Ukrainian media outlets in setting up and maintaining sustainable editorial structures. Individualized consulting services, workshops, and networking opportunities enabled these outlets to navigate the complexities of war and economic hardship, empowering them to continue producing high-quality content and adapt to evolving publication formats and topics.

  • Implementation: n-ost
  • Runtime: October – December 2022

Supported by the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media (BKM).