There are a fast-growing number of networks out there, packed with resources, organising events and offering support for investigative journalists. Like Free Press Unlimited, these journalism networks believe in the powerful impact that investigative work can have on societies, and consider journalists as fundamental to the fostering of accountability.
Below we list some of the most relevant investigative journalism networks, including ones that Free Press Unlimited has experience collaborating with:
| Network | Description | Activities | Resources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN) | An international association that supports the training and sharing of information among investigative and data journalists – even in repressive regimes and marginalised communities. Its membership is open to nonprofits, NGOs and educational organisations that are active investigative reporting and data journalism. The organisation’s projects include a help desk to provide investigative journalists with advice and assistance, a resource center with tips, tools, and manuals, and large training conferences which are held every two years. | The GIJCs are giant training conferences, with practical panels and workshops on the latest investigative techniques, data analysis, cross-border collaboration, and more by the best journalists in the field. These conferences have trained over 7,000 journalists and resulted in the founding of investigative teams, nonprofit newsrooms, and headline-making stories around the world. | Global Investigative Journalism Casebook GIJN webinar: Freelance Investigative Journalism During the Time of COVID Interviewing techniques |
Ethical Journalism Network (EJN) | The EJN is a coalition of more than 70 groups of journalists, editors, press owners and media support groups. Though these members come from different cultures and media traditions, they all share the conviction that the principles of ethical journalism are are universal and the foundation upon which societies can build respect for democracy and human rights. The EJN advises policymakers and human rights groups on topics ranging from hate speech to media literacy and media ethics. The network’s ultimate aim is to strengthen ethical journalism in some of the most troubled regions of the world. | Based on their 5 Principles pf Ethical Journalism, the EJN established a collaborative project called ‘Accountable Journalism’ which aims to be the world’s largest database of media ethics codes. The entire site is a resource. The EJN regularly collaborate with other organisations and institutions. The network has regional focus on the media: in Africa and the Middle East in particular. | Accountable Journalism project Ethics at Source 5-point hate speech test |
| Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism (ARIJ) | The ARIJ is the first and leading media organisation in the MENA region, dedicated to promoting investigative journalism across the Arab world. The organisation offers trainings, coaching, mentoring, funding and network opportunities for independent journalism. ARIJ’s mission is to empower Arab journalists to become society’s watchdogs and to strengthen and grow the ecosystem of accountable journalism. | The ARIJ Annual Investigative Awards are the first regional awards which recognise outstanding work. The Awards honour Arab journalists who have faced obstacles (in the form of criticism, reluctant sources and even greater risks) in order to foster accountability in their society. ”In short, ARIJ honors unfettered truth-telling.” | Investigations in the Arab world 13th Annual Regional Forum – register now! Data Journalism Training Manual (Arabic) |
| Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD) | A network of journalism support and media assistance groups. Its core value is to support the creation and strengthening of journalism and free, independent, sustainable and pluralistic new ecosystems, as defined by the declarations of UNESCO at conferences in Windhoek, Almaty, Santiago de Chile, Sana’a and Sofia. Its main focus is to ensure proper collaboration as well as an exchange of information and experience among its members, with a view to creating a strong, independent and pluralistic media environment, which contributes to the development of empowered societies. | The GFMD collaborates with a wide variety of stakeholders, and in particular, leverages expertise from the media sector to provide the most up-to-date knowledge with its own community. This includes promoting and disseminating research into media development and its impact on society. The forum is also involved in peer-led advocacy for journalistic support within international corporate, donor and intergovernmental and philanthropic communities. | Investigative Journalism resources and links to the work of other organisations in the GFMD network |
| International Journalists’ Network (IJNet) | A network and resource center for international (investigative) journalists, set up by the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ). | IJNet delivers the information and resources to journalists around the world. This includes the latest tips, trends and training opportunities in eight languages. | See here for training, grant and fellowship opportunities. See here for toolkits for journalists. |
| Whistleblowing International Network (WIN) | WIN developed from a small group of NGOs that had built up legal, policy and advocacy expertise on whistleblowing. In early 2013, five of the leading expert organisations on whistleblowing in the world signed a formal agreement to establish the Whistleblowing International Network (WIN). Operating as an organic network with a voluntary steering group for 5 years, WIN is now a registered incorporated charitable organisation based in Scotland with a committed international Board of Trustees and an engaged pool of Members and Associates. | A practitioners’ network , WIN enhances the capacity of our participating organisations to deliver the quality work they do and helps to raise their profile and the profile of public interest whistleblowing internationally. WIN supports organisations to defend and support whistleblowers. They connect the whistleblower protection community with civil society organisations all over the world. | Resources (laws, articles, studies, and other publications and links) on whistleblowing law and practice: see here. |