Stories

Empowering Journalists, Defending Press Freedom
Journalists in Need Network (jinn) is a Berlin-based non-profit organization dedicated to supporting media workers at risk and fasilitating cross-border cooperation.
Established during the early stages of the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, our primary goals are to provide support for exiled media professionals in Germany and advance cross-border investigative journalism.
Our focus extends to educational, funding and mentorship programs designed to enhance the capacities of media outlets, freelance and independent journalists, especially from Belarus and Russia, who had been forced to leave their countries. We aim to help them explore and test new models, find funding opportunities, and develop new partnerships.
What We Do?
Support for Journalists in Need and Exiled Media
We are dedicated to countering Russian disinformation by supporting independent journalists at risk, strengthening media in exile, and fostering cross-border collaboration. Support is offered through personalised consultancy, fellowships, funding opportunities, and infrastructure assistance both in Berlin and internationally.
Facilitating Media Collaboration and Cross-Border Investigations
Through targeted trainings, networking, fellowships, and mentorship, jinn equips journalists with the tools and resources needed to pursue collaborative journalism, data-driven projects, and in-depth investigative reporting across borders.
Advocating for Independent Journalism and Decolonial Media
In response to Russia’s war in Ukraine and the rise of fascist ideologies in Europe and North America, we advocate for independent journalism and the protection of journalists at risk. We call for greater support for exiled journalists in Germany, investigative reporters, and the amplification of marginalized and indigenous voices in the media.
News
16 June 2025
Kremlin Designated jinn as “Undesirable”

We have taken this status into account by ceasing cooperation with individuals who may be at risk and by adjusting our security policies. Being labeled “undesirable” by an authoritarian regime makes us enhance security and strengthens our commitment to our mission.
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14 May 2025
Coalition Must Strengthen Independent Media Worldwide

German media organizations are urging their incoming government to boost support for exile media and independent newsrooms amid global press freedom challenges. The appeal to coalition negotiators was signed by ECPMF, n-ost, Reporters Without Borders, and jinn.
reporter-ohne-grenzen.de
27 March 2025
Global Sources, Joint Forces: Data-Driven, Cross-Border Investigative Journalism
Training program by jinn and the Collaborative and Investigative Journalism Initiative (CIJI) featuring webinars by investigative and data journalists from Süddeutsche Zeitung, IStories, and Correctiv.
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28 August 2024
Advancing Journalists from Russian Regions

Micro-grants, fellowships and consultations for journalists from Russian regions and media in exile.
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Latest Projects
Collaborative and Investigative Journalism Initiative (CIJI)
Germanytrainingscross-border
Resources, Networking, and Methodologies for Independent Media
The CIJI initiative fosters high-quality, ethical, and accountable collaborative and investigative journalism, creating an enabling environment in which established newsrooms can thrive and new media start-ups can emerge and succeed.
Read about projectCollaborative and Investigative Journalism Initiative (CIJI)
Germanytrainingscross-border
Resources, Networking, and Methodologies for Independent Media
The CIJI initiative fosters high-quality, ethical, and accountable collaborative and investigative journalism, creating an enabling environment in which established newsrooms can thrive and new media start-ups can emerge and succeed.
Read about projectNovaya Investigative Lab
Russiatrainingscross-border
Training & Fellowship Programme for Data Projects and Cross-Border Collaborations
Novaya Investigative Lab is a training and fellowship programme designed to support journalists from Armenia, Moldova, and Russia in answering these questions—and more. The programme enables participants to publish impactful investigations in collaboration with investigative teams and media outlets from Germany and Eastern Partnership countries.
Read about projectUnited Against Disinformation in Russia
Central Asiatrainingscross-border
Innovative Methods Against Propaganda
The project enhances the capacities of exiled journalists through financial support, thematic workshops, networking events, and training sessions—including seminars focused on mental health and resilience. It also encourages cross-border cooperation among investigative journalists, podcasters, fact-checkers, and reporters, laying the groundwork for new joint media initiatives.
Read about projectExile Media Hub Berlin
GermanytrainingsCapacity building
Consulting. Coworking. Collaborating.
The Exile Media Hub Berlin is a dedicated support and workspace initiative for foreign media professionals and exiled newsrooms. Located in the heart of Berlin, the Hub offers a flexible, well-equipped environment featuring coworking spaces, training rooms, meeting areas, and a pop-up studio for high-quality audio and video production.
Read about projectFocus Areas
Cross-Border Cooperation
Fighting malign influence of authoritarian regimes beyond borders, our programs enable experience and data exchange between independent journalists across wide geographies
Capacity Building
We enable media professionals and journalists to test new formats, find audiences, and escape material constraints and censorship through consultancy, funding opportunities, and facilitated networking
Investigative Journalism
Navigating OSINT and other methods for thorough political, economic, and social investigations, our beneficiaries provide the public with hard facts amid disinformation
Trainings
Our network of independent reporting experts delivers programs on legal setup, financial management, fundraising, safety, networking, cross-border collaboration, and journalism training








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