2023 Summer School for Journalists and Media Practitioners

26-30 June 2023

Challenges and opportunities for journalism in the digital age

Digitalisation has changed communication in modern society, affecting how individuals seek, access, impart and diffuse information, and the media business model itself. The amount and speed of information spread coupled with the new actors that have emerged, such as large online platforms, and AI applications, constitute some of the main features of this new information ecosystem.

The challenges associated with digital transformation and AI applications are now at the centre of national and EU policy agendas, as a new reference framework is being built to ensure respect for rights and EU values in this new ecosystem. In view of this critical moment for policymaking at national and EU levels, the 11th edition of the Summer School for Journalists and Media Practitioners aims to discuss the challenges and opportunities for journalism in the new information ecosystem from legal, economic, and socio-political perspectives.

Building on the success of previous years, this edition of the Summer School will provide the opportunity for 20 journalists and media practitioners to learn about the latest developments regarding (and not only) the new EU digital framework affecting professional journalism and the media sector, as well as to share their experiences, ideas and points of view, creating thus a collaborative and critical experience for all participants. The Summer School programme is structured around keynote presentations by distinguished experts and follow-up interactive sessions.

Topics

• The new digital regulatory framework and how it affects journalism and the media sector at the EU level: the European Media Freedom Act, AVMS, DSA; Code of Practice on Disinformation, AI Act.
• Digital transformation and new business models in the media sector
• Advertising revenues and the power of consumer data
• Digital communication and the formation of public opinion: the increasing power of very large online platforms
• AI and Journalism
• Successfully applying for EU funds for journalism

Learning objectives

Shared knowledge of common European journalistic professional rights and rules; up-to-date overview of the legislative changes affecting the media ecosystem and legal principles governing content online; strategies for the development of new business models in journalism; newest trends in the journalistic practice, analysis of the state of play of pluralism and freedom in the digital media environment; 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.

This year, participants in the Summer School will also have the opportunity to apply for a fellowship at the Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa (OBCT). The fellowship provides an opportunity to gain first-hand experience with the unique nature of OBCT and its multi-sectoral participatory strategy that combines online journalism, research, training, knowledge dissemination and policy advice, with a strong focus on the impact of civil society in the field of media freedom and the EU enlargement policies: more information on the fellowship

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; however, kindly note that there are ceilings for travel reimbursements. The CMPF will make a selection of participants based on the information provided in the application form.

Scholarships

We offer up to twenty (20) scholarships that cover travel expenses (up to 350 EUR), 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.

The scholarships are awarded by application only. Scholarships are not intended for participants who can receive funds from their own institutions. 

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 cannot assist the selected participants with the Visa application process or expenses for travel documents.

Application deadline: 19 March 2023

Selected candidates will be contacted starting from 31 March 2023

The working language of the Summer School is English.