40 Years Empowering Truth

ICFJ marks its 40th anniversary this year, at a time when trustworthy journalism is more needed than ever. Elections in 81 countries, AI-powered disinformation and rising authoritarianism are all reminders why journalism matters.

At ICFJ, we know “it takes a journalist.” And that’s why we are so proud of the journalists in our vibrant global network – 177,000+ strong – and the impact they have had and continue to have. For 40 years, ICFJ has built skills, provided opportunities and fostered connections in support of their vital work.

Explore their stories below and add your own. Join the conversation with the hashtag #ICFJ40.

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ICFJ gave me my first formal training in journalism – what questions to ask, how to frame them, and how to write investigative pieces that would start difficult conversations.

Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy
Journalist, Oscar-winning filmmaker and ICFJ Knight Award winner, Pakistan

ICFJ Voices

Event Date/Location

January 1, 2024 1:39pm - December 31, 2024 1:39pm

ICFJ ICFJ
750 17th Street NW Suite 300
Washington, DC 20006
United States

Tell Your ICFJ Story

Our Trailblazing History

Over the years, ICFJ has remained ahead of the trends to ensure that journalists can provide the highest quality coverage that holds the powerful to account.

1984

Founded

in 1984 by Tom Winship, Jim Ewing & George Krimsky to share knowledge with their peers

1991

Aided

the rise of independent journalism in the former East bloc after the Berlin Wall fell

1994

Trained

a new generation of South African journalists for the post-Apartheid era

1998

Launched

IJNet to provide resources to journalists, now reaching 180,000+ per month

2001

Helped

U.S. and Arab journalists combat stereotypes after 9/11

2007

Started

the first Global Business Journalism master’s program in booming China

2009

Supported

the first mobile news service in the poorest rural regions of India

2014

Trained

the first network of African health journalists to cover deadly diseases like Ebola

2019

Built

new business models for independent news startups in the Americas

2020

Mobilized

journalists in 70+ countries to cover COVID-19, with training in five languages

2022

Equipped

journalists in and around Ukraine to cover the Russian invasion and war crimes

2022

Published

research used by newsrooms to protect women journalists from online violence

2023

Seeded

innovative projects to deepen trust between journalists and their communities

2023

Enabled

3,500+ journalists to fight disinformation using AI and other methods

I am so thankful to ICFJ for its unwavering support. It has come at a crucial time, when my organization and Philippine democracy are struggling to survive.

Maria Ressa
Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Founder, Rappler, and ICFJ Knight Award winner, Philippines

Meet our Network

The support from ICFJ helped us to actually make the lives of our reporters safer.

Roman Anin
Founder, IStories and ICFJ Knight Trailblazer and ICFJ Knight Award winners, Russia

Impact Stories

ICFJ Voices: José Nieves, on Sustainability for Exiled Newsrooms

José J. Nieves is an ICFJ Knight Fellow developing resources to help newsrooms in exile plan for a sustainable future. Originally from Cuba, Nieves has been running his independent media platform El Toque from exile since 2019. From afar, El Toque became known for an innovative tool it developed: an exchange rate calculator for the informal market in Cuba. This tool is the first of its kind for Cubans, and has greatly impacted those within the country and El Toque’s success as a publication.

ICFJ Voices: Derek Willis, on Why Data Journalism Is Crucial

Derek Willis is a lecturer in data and computational journalism at the University of Maryland’s Philip Merrill College of Journalism. Previously, he was a data journalist with a variety of outlets. Through ICFJ programs, he has taught journalists around the world and helped them gain practical skills to further their careers.

Valeriya Yegoshyna: Keeping Eyes on Ukraine

In the face of dire threats to their safety, Ukrainian journalists have put their lives on the line to document the atrocities of Russia’s invasion of their country, and amplify the stories of those most impacted. Among these fearless journalists is 2024 ICFJ Knight International Journalism Award winner Valeriya Yegoshyna, a reporter at Schemes, the investigative project of the Ukrainian service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Her reporting has revealed alleged Russian war crimes and corruption in her native Ukraine.

ICFJ Voices: Anderson Meneses, Harnessing the Power of Hyperlocal Journalism

Anderson Meneses is the business and technology director at Agência Mural de Jornalismo das Periferias (Mural). Originally from São Paulo, Brazil, he’s based in Recife and covers the São Paulo Metropolitan Region.

He says that his involvement with ICFJ has had a major positive impact on his career, including co-founding Mural.

“ICFJ's support in Latin America is essential given the growing challenges faced by the press, such as violence against journalists, democratic crises and the spread of disinformation,” he says.

Rana Sabbagh: Fighting for Justice in the Middle East

When Rana Sabbagh was a young girl in Jordan, her German mother introduced her to the idea of Gerechtigkeit, which translates roughly to “justice” or “fairness.” Sabbagh’s career as an investigative journalist has revolved around this ideal: that justice, accountability and the rule of law matter. Today, Sabbagh — ICFJ's Knight Trailblazer Award winner — continues to drive hard-hitting investigations in the Middle East.

John-Allan Namu: Uncensoring Africa

In East Africa, Kenya has stood out for its relative peace and prosperity. For over three decades, it has enjoyed multi-party democracy, and largely avoided conflict and war. But that doesn't mean that 2024 ICFJ Knight International Journalism Award winner John-Allan Namu rests easy. The acclaimed Kenyan investigative journalist and co-founder and CEO of Africa Uncensored has dedicated his nearly 20-year career to exposing corruption among the most powerful, human rights abuses and more in his native country.

ICFJ Voices: Carolina Pichardo Hernández, on the Power of Cross-Border Exchanges

Dominican journalist Carolina Pichardo Hernández is an investigative editor at the oldest and most important newspaper in the Dominican Republic. Through an ICFJ program, she was able to leverage her skills to advance her career and become part of the Washington Post Talent Network.

ICFJ Voices: Branislava Lovre, on Building Trust and Using AI in Newsrooms

Serbian-based media professional and AI ethicist Branislava Lovre finds joy in helping newsrooms discover the potential of innovative co-creation and AI tools. Through an ICFJ program, she developed a platform that encourages newsrooms to work together with audiences to create news and increase transparency.

ICFJ Voices: Raisa Wickrematunge, Helping Journalists Cover Religious Intolerance

Sri Lankan journalist Raisa Wickrematunge believes religious intolerance is under covered in the media. Through an ICFJ program, she helped build a course to train South Asian journalists how to cover religious freedom. Her mentorship has facilitated high-quality reporting in the region.

ICFJ Voices: Bharat Nayak on Investigating Disinformation in India

Indian journalist Bharat Nayak works as a researcher and fact-checker. He covers disinformation, political polarization, hate speech and climate change. Through an ICFJ program, he saw significant outcomes for both his reporting and broader community awareness.

Icons & Wonders: ICFJ Auction Features Signed Prints from Legendary Photojournalists

Bidding is now open on an extraordinary photography collection — capturing global icons and natural wonders — assembled from some of the world's foremost photojournalists.

ICFJ Voices: Shahzad Naveed, Shining a Light on Underreported Stories in Pakistan

Shahzad Naveed is a freelance journalist from Pakistan. He works with a variety of organizations and covers a range of sensitive and challenging topics, including minority rights and human rights. Through a workshop with ICFJ, he was able to grow his professional and technical skills, allowing him to effectively cover stories and approach sources.

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