WASHINGTON, D.C. — Jan. 5, 2016 — The International Center for Journalists today announced that it will expand its Knight International Journalism Fellows program to include a focus on sharing global journalism innovations with U.S. newsrooms. The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation is investing $3.4 million to support the expansion.
Related Link
“How ICFJ is bringing innovations from the Global South to U.S. newsrooms” by Joyce Barnathan on Knight Blog, 1/5/2016
The International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) fostered a global culture of digital innovation through its network of Knight International Journalism Fellows. Knight Fellows have created more than two dozen journalism networks and developed more than 150 tools that are transforming the media industry. From crowd-sourced sites that monitor government spending in poor Indian communities to mobile apps helping Africans find a good doctor, International Center for Journalists Knight Fellows are pioneers in using technology to enhance news coverage and engage audiences.
New support from Knight Foundation will fund 11 fellows over three years and ensure their ideas benefit U.S. newsrooms. Fellows will work in key areas such as newsroom transformation, entrepreneurship, new tools and technologies, investigative and in-depth reporting, creating networks of journalists and technologists, audience engagement and journalism safety. They will attend major journalism gatherings and events, and visit U.S. newsrooms to share lessons. The expanded program will also help international reporters strengthen their ties with U.S. media organizations and promote more cross-border collaborations.
“We are tremendously excited about this new Knight support because it will allow ICFJ to bring exciting media innovations from the developing world to the U.S.,” said ICFJ President Joyce Barnathan. “With previous Knight funding, we brought technologies from the U.S. to Latin America, Asia and Africa. Now, we will close the loop to ensure the flow of new ideas has no borders.”
“In a deeply connected world it is important to open more pathways for journalists to share lessons and collaborate in the United States and with communities everywhere,” said Shazna Nessa, Knight Foundation director for journalism. “The International Center for Journalists has a proven track record for creating new digital information tools that create lasting change and extending their reach will help scale their work.”
Under the program, the International Center for Journalists will further serve as a global resource center for journalists, responding to requests for advice and guidance from international reporters and news organizations. It will help connect Knight-funded innovators and other U.S. journalists with international partners and media organizations to promote collaboration.
The fellowship program attracts other major funders such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which supports media innovation and data-driven reporting on health and development in Africa.
Support for the International Center for Journalists is part of Knight Foundation’s efforts to promote journalism excellence and innovation in the digital age. Knight has made many investments in this area, including the $5 million Knight Local Media Initiative, which has supported new journalism innovations in more than 50 online news sites around the country.
About the International Center for Journalists
The International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) is at the forefront of the news revolution. Our programs empower journalists and engage citizens with new technologies and best practices. ICFJ’s networks of reporters and media entrepreneurs are transforming the field. We believe that better journalism leads to better lives. For more, visit icfj.org.
About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
Knight Foundation supports transformational ideas that promote quality journalism, advance media innovation, engage communities and foster the arts. The foundation believes that democracy thrives when people and communities are informed and engaged. For more, visit knightfoundation.org.
CONTACTS:
Maite Fernandez, International Center for Journalists, Communications Director, 202-349-7636, [email protected], Twitter: @maits
Anusha Alikhan, Director of Communications, Knight Foundation, 305-908-2646, [email protected]