The Daily IIJ

Being a responsible journalist – what does that mean? On which principles do we base or should we base our work as journalists? How can we uphold those principles and maintain ethical standards, even in situations when economic, political and social pressure govern decisions, or in places where war and conflict lead to a restriction of media freedom?

It is the first time in an IIJ programme that 23 journalists from 18 countries will analyse, discuss and reflect these issues by means of a weblog.

During the next four weeks, the journalists and IIJ-fellows will use the blog to post their thoughts, ideas, criticism, questions and answers relating to the main topic of the IIJ Summer Academy 2008: “Freedom and Responsibility in the Media”. By sharing their thoughts with other bloggers and readers, they will broaden the crucial debate around ethics, media and journalism.

The IIJ bloggers are young, up-and-coming journalists at the beginning of their professional careers. They are women and men who have grown up in very different political, economic, social and cultural realities. Some come from regions in violent conflict or civil war, such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nigeria, Sudan or Zimbabwe. Others live and work in countries where press freedom is restricted and corruption and economic problems rule everyday life. And there are also participants who come from societies which undergo radical changes from autocracy to democracy.

Due to their different social and individual experiences, the understanding of what journalism is and what functions the media have to fulfil will probably vary. Each of the 23 young journalists is driven by different expectations, motivations and goals when it comes to their profession.

“Why did I become a journalist?” will be the opening question of the Summer Academy. Was this profession chosen as the result of political commitment? Did this choice come along with the passion for writing or was it motivated by a wish to become famous one day? Or is journalism simply part of a family tradition? We do not know the answers of the IIJ fellows yet, but we are sure that there will be a wide and exciting range of responses.

We look forward to the lively – and perhaps controversial – debates! Enjoy and keep us posted!

Yours,

Britta Scholtys

Senior Project Manager

International Institute for Journalism (IIJ) of InWEnt – Capacity Building International, Germany