Stars4Media 3rd edition: exchange and training programme call for application out
The third edition of the Stars4Media exchange and training programme is now open for media professionals from different EU countries who wish to develop new editorial products or test innovative ideas. The call for application will run until 30 June 2022.
The programme is co-financed by the European Union, through the Creative Europe scheme, and implemented by a consortium of four partners: Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), the project coordinator, Europe’s MediaLab (Fondation EURACTIV), the World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) and the European Journalism Center (EJC), in partnership with the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ). Building on the experience and results of its previous editions (Stars4Media Pilot and Stars4Media Second Edition), Stars4Media NEWS foresees cascading funding, in-depth coaching, and peer-to-peer knowledge transfer.
By providing financial support and in-depth coaching to collaborative projects Stars4Media NEWS programme supports European news media organisations and enables long-term business and newsroom transformation. This year’s edition will support two projects tracks:
Collaborative business transformation projects
Business transformation will cover topics like (amongst others): diversifying revenue models; new approaches to audience development and engagement; development of common professional/technical standards; developing business readiness, product thinking etc.
Collaborative newsroom transformation projects
Newsroom transformation will support collaborative journalism and high-quality media content production by covering subjects like (amongst others): original reporting methods; innovative production methods; innovative distribution methods and new formats; innovative tech solutions for newsrooms; workflow optimisations, internal culture etc.
A total of 14 projects will be supported in the first phase of the Programme “EXPLORE”. Of those 14, only 9 will access the following phase called “BOOST”.
Phase 1: EXPLORE, focused on media innovation
- Duration: 4 months
- Number of Projects: 14
- Grant amount in the EXPLORE phase, for a typical project of two partners (media companies based in two different countries): 24 000€ (12 000€ lump sum award for each participating media)
Phase 2: BOOST, focused on the transformation of the newsroom and/or business
- Duration: 6 months
- Number of Projects: 9
- Grant amount in the BOOST phase, for a typical project of two partners (media companies based in two different countries): 64 000€ (32 000€ lump sum award for each)
A media company selected to participate in both EXPLORE and BOOST phases could receive a total grant of up to maximum 44 000€. Participating media companies will not only benefit from direct financial support but also from ad hoc and expert coaching, events, benchmarking and advice.
To learn more about past Stars4Media editions, click here.
To join the Zoom Q&A session on 10 June, click here.
