The Summer School aimed to contribute to the professional development of young journalists and media workers by enhancing their knowledge and practical skills in the fields of digital and physical safety, investigative journalism, ethical reporting, the protection of journalists, as well as coping with stress and professional burnout.
Over the course of the five-day programme, participants took part in an interactive learning environment that combined lectures, discussions, practical exercises and simulations of real-life journalistic situations. The programme was designed to provide participants with practical knowledge, strengthen critical thinking and encourage the exchange of experiences among young journalists and media professionals.
The programme covered topics related to contemporary digital challenges, the protection of journalistic sources and data, safe practices in the digital environment, and the opportunities and limitations of the use of artificial intelligence in journalism. Through practical exercises, participants also became familiar with specific digital safety tools and techniques.
A separate segment focused on journalists' mental health and professional resilience, addressing stress, professional burnout, the identification of risk factors, and the importance of maintaining psychological well-being in a profession that often involves working under significant pressure.
Investigative journalism was explored from several perspectives, with particular emphasis on the process of developing an investigative story from the initial lead to publication, risk assessment and management, fact-checking, professional responsibility and teamwork.
The programme also addressed the physical safety of journalists while reporting from the field, the practical application of risk management techniques, the new Code of Ethics of Journalists in the Republic of North Macedonia, professional standards for reporting on issues of public interest, as well as legal and institutional mechanisms for the protection of journalists.
A particularly important component of the Summer School consisted of practical simulations and group work, during which participants worked on realistic journalistic scenarios, analysed sensitive cases, made editorial decisions and applied the knowledge acquired throughout the programme.
During the Summer School, Daniel Braun, Official Representative of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, and Mladen Chadikovski, President of the Association of Journalists of Macedonia, addressed the participants, highlighting the importance of continuous professional development, strengthening journalists' safety and fostering a new generation of media professionals committed to the highest professional and ethical standards.
Through this activity, the Training Academy for Journalists and Media Workers (T-AJM) continues to provide a platform for education, the exchange of experiences and professional networking, thereby contributing to the development of quality, responsible and resilient journalism in North Macedonia.
