23-27 June 2025
The Future of the Information Sphere and Journalism
Intelligence
Over the past decades, big technology companies have positioned themselves at the center of our information systems, while challenging the very existence of traditional media and journalism and also increasingly aligning with political power. While these threats have also sparked creative resistance, and some of the most remarkable journalism in recent years, the profession has simultaneously experienced a rapid decline—both in terms of a sustainable business model and its reach, particularly among young audiences who primarily access news through online platforms.
Big tech companies have expanded their reach and diversified their offerings, including generative and general AI applications. This has enabled an entirely new ecosystem of communicators and opinion-influencers who are not journalists in the traditional sense but may play a similar or more persuasive role. In some cases, these voices disrupt the information sphere rather than enriching it.
The 13th edition of the CMPF Summer School for Journalists and Media Practitioners (23-27 June 2025) will explore what these changes, along with the fact that private corporations with very limited liability control the infrastructure of the contemporary information sphere, mean for the future of journalism and a democratic information landscape.
With renowned scholars and experts, we will examine opportunities for innovation and strategies to level the playing field between technology companies and journalism, ensuring the economic sustainability of the profession, particularly for investigative journalism. We will also discuss major regulatory interventions (at the EU and global levels) aimed at protecting and strengthening the integrity of the information space, enhancing the accountability and transparency of major online platforms, and safeguarding media freedom, with due consideration to geopolitical developments.
A unique aspect of this year’s summer school will be a Practice Day, featuring a creative expression lab where journalists and artists can collaborate to imagine new, technology-assisted formats that may help revive the connection between journalism and its audience.
The CMPF Summer School offers journalists and media practitioners an opportunity to learn, exchange ideas, and discuss key issues shaping journalism and informed citizenship. The programme will feature presentations by distinguished experts, followed by interactive sessions designed to enhance participants’ understanding, engagement, and networking.
Key topics
- Big Tech, AI, and journalism: practices within and beyond journalism
- Mental well-being and safety of journalists
- AI and media business: copyright, innovation, transformation, monetisation
- EU Regulatory framework and global standards (Focus on the European Media Freedom Act, but also the Artificial Intelligence Act, Digital Services Act, Digital Markets Act, and Code of Practice on Disinformation)
- Geopolitics of freedom of expression and freedom of the media
- Key international developments in Internet governance and their potential impact on the future of journalism and the media sector
- Creative resistance in journalism and by journalists, including strategies to protect journalists and media actors
Learning outcomes
- Shared knowledge of trends affecting journalism, informed citizenship, and democracy;
- Up-to-date overview of the technology and practice trends, legislative changes, and legal principles governing content online;
- Strategies for the development of new business models in journalism;
- Interactive session proceedings;
- Facilitating networking among participants and among participants and speakers.
A Certificate will be awarded to participants who successfully complete the training course.
Who can apply?
The Summer School is open to early and mid-career journalists and other stakeholders in the news industry. Our aim is to gather participants from a variety of countries and backgrounds. The CMPF will select participants based on the information provided in the application form, assess the quality of applications, and take into account diversity criteria. The working language of the Summer School is English.
Fee
Applicants who are not selected for a scholarship will automatically be considered for a self-funded place at the school. Scholarships are not available to participants who can be funded by their own institutions. Cost for self-funded participants: €200 (covering meals and refreshments at the venue).
Scholarships
We offer up to 24 scholarships within the following categories and conditions:
CMPF Summer School Programme scholarships – 20 scholarships
Available to applicants from countries participating in the Creative Europe programme, namely:
- The EU27;
- Acceding countries, candidate countries and potential candidates participating in Creative Europe: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Ukraine;
- European Neighbourhood Policy countries participating in Creative Europe: Armenia, Tunisia;
- EFTA countries which are part of the European Economic Area: Iceland, Norway, Lichtenstein.
The CMPF scholarship covers travel expenses up to an established ceiling, accommodation for 5 nights, tuition fees, all course materials, access to the EUI library, Wi-Fi access at the EUI, social activities, lunches, and coffee breaks on lecture days.
Widening Countries Programme scholarships – up to 4 scholarships
Available to applicants from the Widening Countries. The scholarship will contribute 1000 euros to cover travel expenses and accommodation for 5 nights. In addition, tuition fees, all course materials, access to the EUI library, Wi-Fi access at the EUI, social activities, lunches, and coffee breaks on lecture days, one cocktail, one dinner, will be offered by the Programme.
The selection will take into account the candidate’s professional profile, language skills and additional competencies, such as having an international profile, work experience, certificates and other achievements.
Please note that the CMPF can provide an invitation letter to the selected participants but cannot assist with the Visa application process or expenses for travel documents.
The grant amount is directly linked to course attendance. A daily signature is required, and any absence will result in a reduction of the grant—specifically, €200 per day.
The deadline for submitting applications is 4 May 2025.
With contributions from the European Union and EUI Contracting States, the EUI Widening Europe Programme is designed to strengthen internationalisation, competitiveness, and quality in research in targeted Widening countries, and thus foster more cohesive European Higher Education and Research Areas.