Eleven Deutsche Welle journalists, from different countries and editorial departments, and involved in different types of journalism: This is the third cohort of the DW-Bonn Institute Constructive Journalism Fellowship. Over the course of multiple months, the fellows receive comprehensive training in constructive journalism from certified Solutions Journalism trainers at DW and the Bonn Institute, as well as from external lecturers.
The first of five two-day modules took place in early April in the offices of the Bonn Institute. Ellen Heinrichs, founder and CEO of the Bonn Institute, gave a presentation on constructive interview techniques. The fellows then worked on the basics of constructive journalism.
Upcoming modules will deal with specific topics in greater depth. First up in May: solutions-oriented journalism. Among other things, Lisa Urlbauer, head of journalism training at the Bonn Institute, will hold a session on solutions journalism in climate and environmental reporting, which will include practical tips on how to successfully avoid greenwashing while reporting on solutions.
Constructive journalism offers facts and hope. Well told stories that offer perspective to empower people. So important right now!
DW's editor-in-chief, Manuela Kasper-Claridge, was also present at the kick-off. She has long promoted coverage that is solutions-oriented, contains diverse perspectives and fosters constructive dialogue. "Constructive content has become a real reach driver," she said.
More than 130 DW editors and reporters applied for the fellowship program over the last three years, and a total of 32 fellows have taken part so far. The previous and current fellows work in 12 languages, including English, Arabic, Urdu and Brazilian Portuguese.
Fellows can directly apply the knowledge they acquire from the training modules to their reporting and editing work, as well as pass it along. "We've seen a real shift in how constructive journalism is perceived in our newsrooms, in part because the fellows have done incredible reporting work and shared the knowledge with their teams," said Mara Bierbach, the fellowship program manager at DW.
More information about the Constructive Journalism Fellowship and work samples from the fellows can be found here.