Exile Media Hub Berlin
Previously funded by JX Fund and the Federal Government (2022-2024), we now offer limited consulting due to budget cuts. We're working to restore full operations and increase support for at-risk foreign journalists in Germany.
What is Exiled Media Hub?
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.
In addition to essential infrastructure for journalistic work, the Hub provides tailored services including language courses, workshops on finance and project management, and personalized consultations. Our goal is to empower journalists in exile—freelancers, independent reporters, and media organizations alike—by offering them the tools, knowledge, and space they need to continue their work safely and effectively.
From 2022 to 2024, jinn supported exiled journalists—particularly from Belarus and Russia—through emergency funding, residencies, trainings, and individual consulting at the Exile Media Hub Berlin. This work was made possible in part by JX Fund and with financial support from the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media in 2023.
Due to cuts in public funding in 2024, the Exile Media Hub was forced to scale back its programming. As of now, we are not accepting new residency applications and are offering limited consulting and support to a small number of foreign journalists currently based in Berlin.
We are actively working toward reopening the Hub space and calling on the German government to expand its support for independent media worldwide and for foreign journalists at risk in Germany. Together with Reporters Without Borders, n-ost, and other media organizations, we have issued an open letter urging greater commitment to press freedom and media safety.
Contact us if you would like more information or are interested in collaborating on the future of the Exile Media Hub Berlin, via team@jinn-media.org.
Space and Opportunities
The Exiled Media Hub is located just ten minutes by tram from Alexanderplatz. The coworking space features two rooms with workstations, a studio for recording podcasts, interviews, and videos, plus two multifunctional rooms for meetings, negotiations, and trainings. Hub residents can participate in grant writing workshops, receive consultations on tax and immigration law, employment, business registration, fundraising, project management, and cross-border media project development. Experience exchange, networking, and peer-learning form essential elements of the program. Regular meetings connect Hub residents with journalists, media experts, and representatives from the non-profit sectors of Belarus, Russia, Germany, and other countries. As part of the residency, participants present their projects and discuss sustainable development strategies for their media initiatives following relocation to Germany.
Coworking
Workspace: desk, Wi-Fi, coffee, Soundproofed area for calls and online conferences, Studio for podcast and video recording, Meeting room with video equipment for editorial team and partner meetings, Room for trainings and seminars, Meeting space for media professionals in central Berlin
Trainings, Courses and Consultations
Immigration law and visa issues, Taxes and insurance, Grants and fundraising, Project management, Translation and financial management, Project pitching, Launch and development of projects with international partners, Recording and producing podcasts, Recording video interviews, German and Ukrainian language courses
Meet-ups and Networking
Media project presentations, Round tables and brainstorming sessions for new project ideas and partnerships, Meetings with grant providers and foundations, Visits to Berlin editorial offices of German and foreign media, Informal events and support groups, Self-organized events
Application and Selection Procedure
Both freelancers and editorial teams are welcome to work in the Hub. To apply, submit your application in Russian or English by October 6. Include a presentation of your media, a brief six-month plan, and describe your primary needs and intended frequency of Hub use (e.g., several times weekly, monthly, room usage for meetings only, participation in training sessions, studio use, etc.). Please specify whether you're applying individually or representing an editorial team. An independent jury will evaluate all applications, with final approval from project partners. Selection results will be communicated via your provided email address.
Eligibility Criteria
Journalists, media activists, editorial teams, and media startups from Belarus and Russia are invited to participate in the program
- At the time of application, you must already be in Germany or in the final stage of relocation and able to participate in the Berlin hub's activities.
- Anyone who can demonstrate active work in journalism or media activism through publications from the last six months may apply.
- A commitment to high standards of journalistic ethics and principles of independent editorial policy is required.
- Affiliation with political parties, institutions, and individuals under sanctions will disqualify applicants from the program.
- Your application must specify your needs for workspace, meeting rooms, and studios for recording audio podcasts or videos.
- Having an existing workplace in Berlin or residency in other media hubs, coworking spaces, or workspaces may result in rejection from the program. Please indicate whether you have alternative places for work, editorial meetings, podcast recordings, and organizing partner meetings.
- Participation in the Hub requires attending trainings and presenting your project at one of the non-public events in 2023.
- You may apply individually or on behalf of an editorial team, indicating the number of team members in Germany. The application should include a description of your media project, current work needs, and a brief plan for Hub usage (weekly, monthly, or only for meetings/recordings). Note: Exile Media Hub Berlin residents aren't required to be present daily or weekly and can determine how often they'll use the Hub's infrastructure.
- Including additional information about your media project, desired collaborations, potential partners for joint publications and investigations, or plans for a cross-border media project will strengthen your application.