Jiri Dienstbier Journalism Fellowship - Invitation to Submit Applications
15.09.2025 / 13:03 | Aktualizováno: 16.09.2025 / 09:55
Launched in 2014, the Jiri Dienstbier Journalism Fellowship is inspired by Jiri Dienstbier Sr.’s contributions to the fields of journalism, foreign policy, and human rights, and intended to further RFE/RL’s legacy of promoting more just and open societies through journalism. The Fellowship is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic and RFE/RL.
The Fellowship is a seven-month program, which equips Fellows with cutting-edge journalistic skills and involves them in the daily editorial debates and discussions that inform a professional and independent press. Fellows spend six months at RFE/RL’s headquarters in Prague, where they are placed with an appropriate language service to receive daily, on-the-job training and mentoring while working alongside RFE/RL’s seasoned professionals. After Prague, Fellows spend a final month at a local RFE/RL bureau.
The main components of the program are:
professional mentoring alongside RFE/RL’s seasoned professionals
training and development of journalistic skills on traditional, multi-media, and digital platforms
participation in the daily editorial discussions that inform a professional and independent press understanding of the mission and practice of a professional, free, and independent media company
The Fellowship also features workshops on journalistic practices and tools; discussions with government officials, civic leaders, and regional analysts; visits to media outlets and news agencies; and professional development opportunities in the Czech Republic and abroad. Fellows will be expected to represent themselves and the Fellowship in English at events and in discussions relating to media freedom in their country.
A monthly stipend in Prague and at the bureau, housing allowance, health insurance, and travel costs shall be provided.
RFE/RL may change or cancel the Fellowship if circumstances unexpectedly arise that require such action. In the event that the Fellowship is changed or canceled, RFE/RL shall not be responsible for any resulting costs borne by the Fellow or any third party.