Empowering the Truth Tellers: Asia Investigative Reporting Network

The Asia Investigative Reporting Network (AIR Network) aims to empower journalists across Southeast Asia through training, networking and financial support. By fostering collaboration and providing resources, we enable journalists to expose abuses of power and corruption – expanding high-impact, investigative reporting that serves the public interest.
The network will span at least six countries in Southeast Asia, beginning with Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand in phase one. 
Designed to help journalists come together to tell critical regional stories that would not be possible if they were operating solely within the borders of their countries, the initiative will provide training and support for journalists facing an array of challenges, including:

• Limited funding for in-depth investigations and cross-border collaboration
• Physical, legal, political, financial and psychological threats
• Discrimination and obstacles for women journalists and those from underrepresented or marginalized groups
• Fear of political persecution, which may influence editorial decision-making

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AIR Network is recruiting members for its Advisory Board who will guide the establishment of an investigative journalism Network as a self-sustaining entity that supports investigative journalists throughout Southeast Asia. Advisory Board members will provide overall leadership of the Network, including guiding editorial policy/guidelines, maintaining safety and security protocols, and upholding the gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) framework. The Advisory Board will 
consist of Southeast Asia-based senior editors, journalists, or civil society leaders.

Apply for Advisory Board

The AIR Network Investigative Grants: Cambodia provides up to $3,000 in funding for journalists to produce an investigative project with the AIR Network. Selected journalists will receive technical support and will be eligible for the AIR Network’s safety and security assistance as needed. 

Apply for Cambodia IJ grants

By enriching journalists’ skills and knowledge, we elevate the quality, reach and impact of investigative reporting across Southeast Asia. AIR Network will enhance access to opportunities and leadership in investigative journalism, ensuring a diversity of voices and stories of the region are told. AIR Network will provide essential support to safeguard their work and safety by enhancing security measures to mitigate risks. Finally, AIR Network will work to improve collaboration between media and civil society by creating formal and informal opportunities to share information and assist each other.

Pact is implementing the five-year, $10 million initiative in conjunction with the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ). The AIR Network project is an associate award under the U.S. Agency for International Development’s  Civil Society and Media – Strengthening Together and Advancing in New Directions (CSM-STAND) project, a global leader with associates award that supports civil society and media. AIR Network is one of 13 projects funded under CSM-STAND to date and will contribute to its global learning agenda. Learn more. 

The AIR Network project is an associate award under the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Civil Society and Media – Strengthening Together and Advancing in New Directions (CSM-STAND) project.