II MediaControl RSA: Anti-Corruption Reporting Workshop
APPLICATIONS FOR THE SECOND TRAINING COHORT STARTING ON 31 AUGUST ARE NOW OPEN.
Ready to follow the money? Strengthen your investigative skills and turn complex evidence into clear, compelling radio journalism with public value.
The International Media Academy (IMA), Berlin, in partnership with the Wits Centre for Journalism at Wits University, invites applications for MediaControl RSA – a hands-on training, coaching and production programme for radio practitioners in South Africa. The programme involves a deep-dive workshop and follow-up sessions focused on production. Participants will learn practical investigative and radio-production methods, develop their own accountability story, receive structured editorial coaching, and work towards a publishable or broadcast-ready radio piece.
What the programme includes
• Two practical in-person workshop blocks in Johannesburg: a four-day foundation block followed by a three-day advanced block.
• An approximately four-week production and coaching phase for field research, recording, scripting, editing and revision.
• A final online review day for story presentations, peer feedback, legal and safety checks, and publication planning.
What you will work on
1. Public accountability, corruption patterns and the role of journalism as democratic oversight.
2. Turning a broad topic into a focused investigation, research question and evidence plan.
3. Following public money through budgets, procurement records, payments, open data and access-to-information routes.
4. Finding, evaluating and protecting sources, whistleblowers and sensitive records.
5. Verification, fact-checking, fairness, right of reply and defensible editorial decisions.
6. Digital safety, legal risk, secure documentation and newsroom quality-assurance routines.
7. Radio storytelling: interviews and sound bites, structure, scripting, field recording and editing workflows.
8. Research logs, evidence trails, peer review and pre-publication checks.
Who should apply?
We welcome applications from South Africa-based radio and audio practitioners, especially:
• early-career and working radio journalists, reporters, editors, producers and presenters;
• freelancers and community-media practitioners;
• newsroom-linked producers and other professionals involved in radio or audio journalism;
• practitioners who want to strengthen investigative, anti-corruption or economic reporting skills.
Applicants do not need to be specialist investigative reporters, but they should have a clear connection to radio or audio journalism and be ready to produce a concrete story during the programme. The primary geographic focus is Gauteng (Johannesburg/Pretoria). Applications from other provinces may also be considered depending on programme reach and feasibility.
What we expect from participants
• Full participation in both in-person workshop blocks, the coaching phase and the online review day.
• Active contribution to practical exercises, peer feedback and editorial discussions.
• Commitment to research, produce and revise a radio story using the programme’s evidence and quality standards.
• Respect for confidentiality, source safety, accuracy, fairness and responsible teamwork.
What participants can expect
• Practical tools that can be applied directly in reporting and newsroom work.
• Individual and group feedback from trainers, coaches and peers.
• Support in moving from an initial story idea to a stronger, publication-ready radio piece.
• Connections with radio practitioners, mentors and stations in the South African media ecosystem.
Practical information
Part 1 (in person, Johannesburg): 31 August – 3 September 2026
Part 2 (in person, Johannesburg): 8 – 10 October 2026
Production and coaching phase: 11 October – 16 November 2026
Online review day: 16 November 2026
Working language: English
Participation costs and logistical support: Based on availability of funding. The wider 2026 programme is designed to work with approximately 60 participants. Final scheduling and participant arrangements will be communicated by the organisers.
How to apply
Complete the online application form. It should take approximately 10 minutes.
Application form: II MediaControl RSA: Anti-Corruption Reporting for Radio Journalists and Editors
Application deadline: 26.8.2026
Selection
Selection will consider applicants’ motivation, connection to radio or audio journalism, the relevance and feasibility of their preliminary story idea, and their ability to commit to the complete programme. The organisers will also aim for a balanced and diverse group. Applications will be assessed objectively, without direct or indirect discrimination, and treated confidentially. Reasonable accommodation needs can be indicated in the application form.