Training Academy for Journalists and Media Workers – From Initiative to Implementation

The three-year implementation of the Training Academy for Journalists and Media Workers (T-AJM) focused on advancing the professional knowledge and skills, improving safety, and strengthening the capacities of journalists and media workers. Through training sessions, practical education and professional networking, the project contributed to creating better conditions for free, safe and ethical journalism.

The project also placed strong emphasis on evidence-based advocacy and the implementation of promotional campaigns aimed at raising public awareness of the importance of free media for overall societal development, while setting new long-term standards in the pursuit of independent and safe journalism in the country.

The Training Academy for Journalists and Media Workers in Numbers and Facts

The Academy represented an important step towards building a stronger, safer and more professional journalism community by providing continuous opportunities for education, practical training and professional development in a media landscape shaped by rapid changes and emerging challenges. Particular attention was paid to acquiring practical knowledge and skills, as well as connecting journalists and media workers and establishing a network of mutual support.

From April 2025 to September 2026, the Academy delivered 19 training sessions, bringing together 222 journalists and media workers.

The training sessions were organised into six modules (physical and digital safety, protection mechanisms for journalists and media freedom, investigative journalism and ethical reporting, managing stress and professional burnout, and financial literacy), at both basic and advanced levels. They covered topics relevant to the everyday work of journalists.

As part of the activities, a summer school for young journalists and media workers was also organised this year, providing an opportunity to gain new knowledge, engage in practical work, participate in discussions and build professional networks. Participants had the opportunity to discuss current challenges facing the profession, with a particular focus on safety, investigative journalism, ethics and the impact of new technologies.

The closing event provided an opportunity to present the results achieved and to send a clear message that investing in journalists’ knowledge, safety and professional development means investing in media freedom, democracy and citizens’ right to receive accurate, timely and professional information.

Looking ahead, the Association of Journalists of Macedonia (AJM) will continue its efforts to ensure that the Training Academy for Journalists and Media Workers (T-AJM) remains operational, with the aim of maintaining continuity in educational activities and the professional development of journalists and media workers. The ambition is for the Academy to evolve into a long-term platform for acquiring new knowledge, developing practical skills, exchanging experiences and building a strong and supportive journalism community.

The event was held within the framework of the project “Training Academy for Journalists and Media Workers – T-AJM”, funded by the European Union. The Association of Journalists of Macedonia is solely responsible for the content, which does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

Photo: AJM