International Media Academy

Updates from IMA projects, events, and international media cooperation.

August 2026

MediaControl RSA is entering its next phase in Johannesburg.

After exploring #GuptaLeaks, following the money and developing their own investigations, the first cohort now moves into mentoring and radio production.

At the same time, a second group has begun its workshop at the Wits Centre for Journalism.

Two cohorts, one shared goal: bringing stronger accountability journalism to communities across South Africa.

August 2026

Media training for radio journalists in South Africa

IMA is preparing a new training and mentoring programme for radio journalists and producers in South Africa, developed together with our partners at the Wits Centre for Journalism.

During a visit to Jozi FM in Soweto, conversations around radio quickly opened up broader questions: how journalists can investigate public spending, make complex economic issues understandable, and build trust with their audiences.

The programme will focus on practical reporting, investigative approaches, economic journalism and story development. Participants will work on their own radio pieces, strengthening verification routines and turning strong ideas into publishable stories.

For IMA, the aim is to connect journalism training with real editorial practice — and to support radio professionals in producing reporting that matters to their communities.

July 2026

Inside an independent newsroom: IMA visits CivilNet in Yerevan

What does independent journalism look like when political developments dominate public debate?

During its journalism workshop in Yerevan, IMA visited CivilNet together with its Armenian partner, the Media Initiatives Center (MIC). The visit offered an opportunity to speak directly with newsroom colleagues about election coverage, editorial decision-making under pressure and reporting on issues that divide public opinion.

CivilNet is an independent Armenian media outlet covering politics, society and developments across the region. The exchange showed how responsible journalism depends on accuracy, editorial independence and the ability to maintain audience trust when events move quickly.

Thank you to the CivilNet team for the open conversation and to the Media Initiatives Center for organising the visit.

July 2026

Where does freedom of speech end? Publix discussion in Berlin

IMA attended a Thursday discussion at Publix on freedom of expression, hate speech, and democratic public debate. The conversation with Ronen Steinke, legal expert and political editor at Süddeutsche Zeitung, and Publix director Maria Exner focused on the boundaries between open debate, insult, hate speech, and incitement.

For IMA, the discussion was especially relevant to our work in journalism training and media development. It raised important questions about careful language, responsible reporting, and the role of journalism in shaping public discourse.

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June 2026

Youth Media Labs Moldova 2026: the first workshop took place in Chișinău

From 25 to 27 June 2026, IMA organized the first Youth Media Labs Moldova 2026 workshop in Chișinău in partnership with the Independent Journalism Center of Moldova.

The training brought together young people interested in journalism, research, verification, storytelling, and ethical decision-making. Over three days, participants worked on practical approaches to media production, discussed the role of journalism in democratic societies, and developed their own story ideas.

The Chișinău workshop is the first of three Youth Media Labs in Moldova. Further workshops will take place in Bălți and Comrat.

The project is funded by the Auswärtiges Amt (Federal Foreign Office) of Germany.

June 2026

IMA at the Open Day of the German Federal Foreign Office

IMA attended the Open Day at the Auswärtiges Amt (Federal Foreign Office) in Berlin. The event offered insights into current discussions on international cooperation, public diplomacy and Germany’s role in a changing world.

For IMA, these topics are closely connected to our work in media development, democratic dialogue, and international exchange. The event also provided an opportunity for informal exchange and new conversations, including a brief encounter with Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.

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May 2026

Diplomacy in times of upheaval: DGAP discussion in Berlin
IMA attended a DGAP discussion on Rolf Nikel’s book Der schmale Grat: Die Kunst der Diplomatie in Zeiten des Umbruchs. The evening explored the role of diplomacy amid war, geopolitical fragmentation, and pressure on the rules-based international order. For IMA, the conversation was especially relevant to our work in contexts where dialogue, communication, and trust cannot be taken for granted.

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May 2026

Security as an information issue: Atlantic Talk in Berlin

IMA attended the Atlantic Talk “Zwischen Unterstützung und Zurückhaltung: Die transatlantische Partnerschaft im Ukraine-Krieg” hosted by the Deutsche Atlantische Gesellschaft. The discussion highlighted Ukraine’s resilience, disinformation, hostile narratives, and the role of civil society in resisting pressure. For IMA, this perspective closely aligns with our work with partners in Ukraine, Georgia, and Armenia.

April 2026

What does the future of democracy look like in a fragmented world? · Berlin (DGAP)

IMA participated in a high-level discussion at the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP) on the future of the liberal international order.
The conversation addressed global tensions, competing political models, and the role of democratic institutions in an increasingly fragmented world.
For IMA, these discussions connect directly to our work supporting independent journalism and strengthening media resilience in complex environments.

Let’s develop meaningful media projects together.

For cooperation, training requests, or media inquiries, please get in touch with IMA.