Call for Applications

Journalism Master Class 2023

The Ratiu Forum – a partnership between LSE IDEAS (London School of Economics) and the Ratiu Foundation – is now accepting applications for the the third edition of the Journalism Master Class, conducted by John Lloyd of the Financial Times. The class will take place on
Saturday 11th March and Sunday 12 th March at the Ratiu Centre for Democracy in Turda, Romania.

The overall purpose of this initiative is to explore the current situation of Romanian journalism as compared to other central European states in 2023. Since 2019 we have been creating a journalism network hub in Romania and throughout the region, offering support and sharing professional expertise that can be drawn on from journalists abroad.

Our panellists and speakers will include a leading group of Romanian Journalists. Participants in this workshop involve specialists from LSE IDEAS – the international relations think tank at the London School of Economics – as well as those from the region.

Participants will be accommodated in Turda at the Ratiu Compound – there is no fee for participation.

Applications are now closed.

Please submit your applications to, and for any further information on the Master Class: Oana Bakos: oana.bakos@ratiudemocracycenter.org

Information note on the processing of personal data for participants:

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GOALS OF THE PROGRAMME

To address the issues of journalism in Romania and support Romanian journalists in strengthening their practical skills and achieving their potential.

ACTIVITIES/THEMES

  • Discussion about the stories and journalistic culture where each one works.
    Understanding of how Romanian journalism works and how the media has changed in recent years.
  • Reporting of the war in Ukraine.
  • Corruption and how to report it.
  • The history of journalism in Romania.
  • The techniques and nature of investigative reporting.
  • Celebrity journalism as escapism – in focus, the media storm surrounding Harry, Meghan and the British Royal Family.

ELIGIBILITY

The Master Class is primarily addressed to professional Romanian journalists who believe in democratic values. Applications are also open to, and welcomed from, citizens of Hungary, Kosovo, Moldova, Serbia, and Ukraine. Candidates must also have a working knowledge of English.

APPLICATION

In order to apply for the Journalism Master Class, interested candidates should submit the following information to Oana Bakos: oana.bakos@ratiudemocracycenter.org

  • A cover letter explaining their motivation to be part of the Master Class and what they would like to achieve in terms of their personal and professional development. The letter of motivation should be no longer than 600 words;
  • A CV, preferably not exceeding two pages; and
  • A writing/podcast sample.

SELECTION CRITERIA

The Ratiu Forum will be considering the following criteria when assessing applications:

  • Proven knowledge of and interest in current affairs, particularly in relation to the CEE region.
  • An ambition to grow and improve as journalists and a desire to develop both professionally and personally.
  • A commitment to engaging fully in the Master Class and to making the most of the knowledge and expertise on offer.
  • Applications are welcomed from Hungary, Kosovo, Moldova, Romania, Serbia, and Ukraine, but the majority of beneficiaries will be Romanian.

The selection procedure will consist of an assessment of submitted applications against the selection criteria listed above.

2022 Master Class