Application period: March 2 – April 2, 2026.

Who can apply?

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a senior or middle manager of a local or regional Europe-based media outlet
• Work in a media outlet contributing to public interest journalism
• Be in a position to directly apply the knowledge gained in at least one of the following areas:
  • Strategy and project management
  • Budgeting and financial oversight
  • Editorial development
  • Marketing and audience engagement

Organisational focus

The programme targets media outlets (at least 80% based in the EU27), with a particular focus on areas with a low provision of independent, local or regional investigative news, or in media markets where media pluralism is under pressure.

Applicants from EU27 countries are eligible. In addition, applicants from EFTA countries — Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein — may apply. Acceding and candidate countries are also eligible: Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The programme prioritises applicants from media outlets that:

• Strengthen media pluralism and editorial independence
• Operate in the local, regional, community, or investigative media sector
• Seek to improve their business sustainability and resilience

A total of 25 participants will be enrolled in the programme. Selected participants will be announced on April 15, 2026.

The programme covers participants’ tuition fees, travel, accommodation, and subsistence expenses for three in-person modules in Riga, Latvia.

For help or questions, please contact: artis.dobrovolskis@sseriga.edu