Scholarship for Georgian journalists

ESTDEV offers a one-week study trip to Estonia for 10 Georgian journalists to familiarize themselves with the experience of the Estonian media field in contemporary information society, both public and private media.

During the journey, we will acquaint grantees with:

Public broadcasting media organization (Public Service Media ERR channels in Estonian and Russian: Vikerraadio, Raadio 4, ETV, ETV+)

• The role of public broadcasting media in a democratic society and as a preserver of cultural heritage
• Following the Estonian Journalists’ and ERR’s own Code of Ethics
• Relationships with government agencies, including issues of political pressure, censorship, etc.
• Differences of channels in Estonian and in Russian and their places on media field
• Funding, its strengths and weaknesses

Private media channels (e.g. Postimees, Delfi)

• How they differ from Public Service Media
• The influence of politicians and businessmen on private media, and whether journalists feel the interests of owners breathing down their necks and how they are defended. 
• How their choice of topics differs from that of Public Service Media, whether it’s driven solely by reader interest (clicks) or also by societal importance, and how tabloid-like Estonian private media is
• How different or not are the Estonian and Russian language channels and media environments 
• How private media survives financially

Regional outlets: 

• Funding, advertising, and how to survive in a very small market
• Timeliness – online versions

We provide also an opportunity to compare differences between Estonian and Russian media landscapes. 

We welcome young journalists (up to 40 years old), preferably with good language skills. The working language is English, but knowing Russian is an asset. 

Scholarship candidates must submit up to three examples of their work along with comprehensive summaries in English or Russian. Advantage is given if candidate presents completely translated materials. We also expect an English (or Russian) language motivation letter and suggestions on what the grantee him/herself would like to see and hear in Estonia. 

The study trip will take place at the end of April or in May 2024. In early April, an Estonian jury member will meet with the grantees either in Georgia (preferably) or online. 

We do not obligate grantees to cover as journalists their experience in Estonia, but we welcome it and if it is done, would like the published materials links reach us. If the grantee is interested in covering a topic related to Estonia, we will try to help as much as possible, especially if we are informed as early as possible. Critical materials are also welcome.

The deadline for applications is March 15, 2024. To participate, kindly complete the form available here.