Course description

Over the past decades, big technology companies have positioned themselves at the center of our information systems, while challenging the very existence of traditional media and journalism and also increasingly aligning with political power. While these threats have also sparked creative resistance, and some of the most remarkable journalism in recent years, the profession has simultaneously experienced a rapid decline—both in terms of a sustainable business model and its reach, particularly among young audiences who primarily access news through online platforms.

Big tech companies have expanded their reach and diversified their offerings, including generative and general AI applications. This has enabled an entirely new ecosystem of communicators and opinion-influencers who are not journalists in the traditional sense but may play a similar or more persuasive role. In some cases, these voices disrupt the information sphere rather than enriching it.

The 13th edition of the CMPF Summer School for Journalists and Media Practitioners (23-27 June 2025) will explore what these changes, along with the fact that private corporations with very limited liability control the infrastructure of the contemporary information sphere, mean for the future of journalism and a democratic information landscape.

With renowned scholars and experts, we will examine opportunities for innovation and strategies to level the playing field between technology companies and journalism, ensuring the economic sustainability of the profession, particularly for investigative journalism. We will also discuss major regulatory interventions (at the EU and global levels) aimed at protecting and strengthening the integrity of the information space, enhancing the accountability and transparency of major online platforms, and safeguarding media freedom, with due consideration to geopolitical developments.

A unique aspect of this year’s summer school will be a Practice Day, featuring a creative expression lab where journalists and artists can collaborate to imagine new, technology-assisted formats that may help revive the connection between journalism and its audience.

The CMPF Summer School offers journalists and media practitioners an opportunity to learn, exchange ideas, and discuss key issues shaping journalism and informed citizenship. The programme will feature presentations by distinguished experts, followed by interactive sessions designed to enhance participants’ understanding, engagement, and networking.

Learning outcomes

• Shared knowledge of trends affecting journalism, informed citizenship, and democracy;
• Up-to-date overview of the technology and practice trends, legislative changes, and legal principles governing content online;
• Strategies for the development of new business models in journalism;
• Interactive session proceedings;
• Facilitating networking among participants and among participants and speakers.

 

A Certificate will be awarded to participants who successfully complete the training course.

Participation modes

We offer up to 29 scholarships within the following categories and conditions:

CMPF Summer School Programme scholarships – 20 scholarships

Available to applicants from countries participating in the Creative Europe programme, namely:

• The EU27;
• Acceding countries, candidate countries and potential candidates participating in Creative Europe: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Ukraine;
• European Neighbourhood Policy countries participating in Creative Europe: Armenia, Tunisia;
• EFTA countries which are part of the European Economic Area: Iceland, Norway, Lichtenstein.

The CMPF scholarship covers travel expenses up to an established ceiling, accommodation for 5 nights, tuition fees, all course materials, access to the EUI library, Wi-Fi access at the EUI, social activities, lunches, and coffee breaks on lecture days.

Global scholarships – up to 5 scholarships

Available to applicants from Africa, Asia-Pacific and Latin America, provided by the European Union in the framework of the Global Initiative on the Future of the Internet. The scholarship is intended for travel expenses (economy class fare), visas, accommodation for 6 nights, tuition fees, all course materials, access to the EUI library, Wi-Fi access at the EUI, social activities, lunches and coffee breaks on lecture days. For more information about global scholarships, applicants can contact Dr Patryk Pawlak at [email protected]

EUI Widening Europe Programme scholarships – up to 4 scholarships

Available to applicants from the countries part of the EUI Widening Europe Programme. The scholarship will contribute 1000 euros to cover travel expenses and accommodation for 5 nights. In addition, tuition fees, all course materials, access to the EUI library, Wi-Fi access at the EUI, social activities, lunches, and coffee breaks on lecture days, one cocktail, one dinner, will be offered by the Programme. To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must be nationals of one of the countries targeted by the Widening Europe programme:

• Inside the European Union: Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia.
• Outside the European Union: Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo⁽¹⁾, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Moldova, and Ukraine.

^{(1) This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244(1999) and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.}

• Applicants must also affiliated with an academic institution based in a country targeted by the Widening Europe programme (students currently enrolled in a master/doctoral program, postdoctoral researchers, lecturers, or professors)