News

Recognizing Independent Video Journalism with the ICFJ News Creator Award

Applications are now open for the inaugural News Creator Award for Excellence in Independent Video Journalism from the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ).

Journalists and Technologists Develop Innovative Products to Make the Truth go Viral

Journalists and technologists are teaming up through ICFJ’s Disarming Disinformation initiative to develop innovative tools: an app that helps experts create viral social media videos, a tool for journalists to quickly answer audience questions, and other products to help news publishers reach people with quality news and information.

Remembering Rodman Moorhead, Longtime Supporter of ICFJ’s Network

The International Center for Journalists has lost a dedicated champion with the passing of veteran board director Rodman Moorhead.

Tips for Maintaining a Sustainable Career in Media

As the news industry struggles with funding shortfalls, layoffs, declining trust and rapidly changing technology, journalists — from freelancers to newsroom leaders — have professional and financial security top of mind. In a recent IJNet Crisis Reporting Forum session, Muck Rack Editorial Director Andrew Mercier and Ajor Executive Manager Samanta do Carmo discussed how journalists can keep afloat and thrive in an increasingly uncertain professional environment.

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.

Predictions for Journalism 2025: We'll Reach Beyond Our Own Lane

This year, I hope to see more news media pursue innovative, meaningful collaboration with the multitude of stakeholders who today make up the civic information space…the technologists, citizen journalists, researchers, civil society, and yes, content creators who value accuracy, fairness, and transparency. We need to seek out these journalist-adjacent actors who share the same goal as many newsrooms of delivering actionable, trustworthy news and information to people — information that the public can use to make sense of the world and improve their lives and their societies. They just bring different tools and expertise to do it.

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.

The Power of Collaboration: Reporting Across the India-Pakistan Border

India and Pakistan have a history of more than 75 years of conflict over Kashmir, a region split between the two nations. This clash often places Kashmiris, who lack autonomy, in the crossfire. Last year, Indian journalist Puja Bhattacharjee and Pakistani journalist Umar Bacha united in a rare cross-country collaboration to detail the challenges faced by families and marriages divided by borders. The emotional investigation remains relevant amid increasing calls for Kashmiri autonomy.

Fundamentals of Open-Source Intelligence for Journalists

Open-source intelligence (OSINT) – the gathering and analysis of publicly available information found on social media, and in databases and government records – can be invaluable in situations when information is sparse, controlled or censored. Journalists today leverage OSINT to expose corruption, investigate war crimes and hold governments and other powerful actors to account. In a recent IJNet Crisis Reporting Forum session, Eoghan Macguire of investigative journalism group Bellingcat detailed how journalists can use OSINT in their own investigative reporting.

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.