Call for support for the production of expert author’s texts on the topic: “Transparency of government institutions (at the national and municipal level) and access to public information related to the professional work of journalists – Between theory and practice”

Within the project “Safeguarding the freedom of expression and independence of media as pillars of democracy in the Republic of North Macedonia”, financed by the European Union, and in the implementation of the Association of Journalists of Macedonia (AJM), a call has been opened for the support of authors for the production of four professional author’s texts on topics related to the situation and challenges that affect journalists and refer to the transparency of government and public institutions, both at the state and municipal level, and for timely delivery of information of public interest to the media. 

Purpose of the call

One of the key topics identified as a serious challenge for journalists and media workers is the transparency of government and public institutions, both at the state (national) and municipal (local) level, especially when it comes to the timely delivery of information of public interest to the media – a trend that reappeared during the pandemic and is a serious challenge for investigative journalists, but also for all others who use the mechanisms for free access to information for their daily reporting to the public.

This competition aims to increase visibility and highlight the challenges journalists and media workers face in their work (also focusing on gender-sensitive issues) when it comes to the openness and accessibility of institutions to provide access to information of a public nature (and of importance to the public interest), including for a more comprehensive coverage of examples of the (non)reactions of the relevant institutions that should implement the law on free access to information of a public nature, the reasons for the absence of transparency (whether it allow the omissions of the existing legal solutions, or is the result of individual interpretations), the (in)familiarity with the procedures for accessing information of a public nature by the information seekers (in the case of journalists), and so on.

Who can apply to the call?

All journalists from the country can apply to the competition, regardless of whether or not they currently work in a media outlet. In addition to journalists, persons who have knowledge and experience of legal regulations and practice in the context of free access to information of a public nature (and of importance to the public interest) can also apply to the competition.

Conditions

All texts should be produced according to the highest professional and ethical standards and respect for the code of journalists.   The final text should be between 1,500 and 2,000 words. Within the text, it is necessary to use exclusively the author’s photos

Application method and deadline

Interested journalists should fill out the form (download here) in which they explain their idea and send it to contact@znm.org.mk and bnasteska@znm.org.mk with the reference “Application by call IPA/2022/440- 473-AJM – 009”.   The application deadline is May 31, 2024, until midnight CET.

Choice

The selection of the persons who will be supported will be made by a three-member commission composed of AJM representatives. The directions of the research and the specifics of the topic that will be addressed will be determined in coordination with AJM. 

Fund

The compensation fund for author’s work amounts to MKD 30,000 gross.

Reference number: IPA/2022/440-473-AJM – 009 Project title: “Safeguarding the freedom of expression and independence of media as pillars of democracy in the Republic of North Macedonia) Lot: 5.8.1 – Thematic stories (A2.3.2)