Investigative journalism serves as a vital mechanism for holding power to account, particularly in the context of rising authoritarianism, increasing assaults on press freedom, and the proliferation of transnational financial and supply networks engineered to evade sanctions. This webinar series brings together leading investigative journalists from Germany and Russia-in-exile, each with a distinct approach to exposing hidden networks of corruption, disinformation, and human rights violations.
JINN is hosting three expert-led webinars as part of the Collaborative and Investigative Journalism Initiative (CIJI), a Europe-wide programme supporting independent journalism, strengthening press freedom, and fostering cross-border collaboration. These sessions will address key challenges in investigative journalism, data research, and fact-checking, providing practical insights from leading media professionals.
Programme
Webinar 1: Süddeutsche Zeitung: Data Research and Cross-Border Collaborations with Foreign Media
5 May, 14:00 (CET)
Speaker: Natalie Sablowski, data team, Süddeutsche Zeitung
Süddeutsche Zeitung is one of Germany’s most influential daily newspapers. In conjunction with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, the newspaper has reviewed data from the Panama Papers and actively collaborated on various cross-border, bilateral investigations and data-projects across Europe. This session explores collaboration strategies with foreign media teams, data-driven investigations, and practical recommendations for cross-border projects.
Webinar 2: Investigating War Crimes, Sanctions Evasion, and (Russian) Data Leaks
22 April, 14:00 (CET)
Speaker: Irina Dolinina, data journalist and editor, IStories
IStories is a leading investigative Russian media outlet based in exile, working at the forefront of uncovering war crimes, tracking sanctions violations, analysing major Russian datasets, and collaborating with international investigative teams. This session will provide insights into case studies, research methodologies and the challenges of investigative reporting during wartime.
Webinar 3: Correctiv: Best Practices of Fact-Checking and Cross-Border Collaborations with Foreign Media
29 April, 14:00 (CET)
Speaker: Marcus Bensmann, senior reporter, Correctiv
Correctiv is one of Germany’s leading investigative journalism outlets, known for its fact-checking expertise and international collaborations. This session will cover best practices for fact-checking, data research, OSINT, verifying information, and working across borders with foreign media professionals.
Who can participate?
- Investigative journalists and media professionals seeking to enhance their investigative skills and learn best practices of collaborative projects
- Independent and exiled journalists working under restrictive media environments who want to access new tools, networks, and investigative methodologies
- Data researchers, analysts, and fact-checkers focused on tracking corruption, disinformation, sanctions evasion, and human rights violations
Participation terms and requirements
- All webinars are free of charge.
- All webinars are conducted in English.
- Participants should register in advance.
- The sessions will not be recorded.
About CIJI
The Collaborative and Investigative Journalism Initiative (CIJI) is a Europe-wide programme promoting ethical standards, offering training and capacity-building opportunities, creating sustainable structures for journalists at risk, and providing a collaborative network for investigative journalists. CIJI is carried out in partnership by Tactical Tech (TT), Free Press Unlimited (FPU), Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Fundacja Reporterów (FR), OBC Transeuropa (OBCT), Delfi, and a consortium of EU-based media hubs including RISE Project Romania, Investigate Europe, and Journalists in Need Network (JINN). The initiative is co-funded by the European Union.
Contact
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at team@jinn-media.org