A New Series Reflecting on Journalism Practice
Arena Papers is a series of articles reflecting on journalism practice in our time. Written predominantly by and for journalism practitioners, the Arena Papers aim to observe, analyse, and develop journalism practice in an era of rapid societal, technological, and professional changes. The series explores how journalists can best serve their communities and societies, with a focus on in-depth, collaborative, data-driven and investigative journalism.
The Arena Papers are designed for those involved in the practice of journalism – not just academics or universities. The goal is to provide journalists who want to set up networks, coordinate investigations or fundraise with the knowledge and insights they need to succeed.
You can download the papers from the links below.
Published papers
The Crossborder Journalism Campus Guidebook
Brigitte Alfter, director at Arena for Journalism and Ulla Sätereie, chairperson of Grävande Journalister (Swedish Association for Investigative Journalists). Both are former lecturers in investigative journalism at the University of Gothenburg.
This guidebook summarises actionable experiences for practice oriented journalism educations at masters’ level based upon experiences from a 2022-2024 collaboration supported by the Erasmus+ programme.
Summarised by Brigitte Alfter and Ulla Sätereie on behalf of the entire CJC team of lecturers: Brigitte Alfter, Ulla Sätereie, Maria Hendrischke, Uwe Krüger, Felix Irmer, Édouard Perrin, Cédric Molle-Laurençon, Adrian Breda and Sarah Pilz.
Published: June 16, 2025
Keywords: Cross-border journalism; investigative journalism; coordination; roles; collaboration; investigative reporting; Europe; education
Mastermind, moderator or manager? The developing role of coordinator in cross-border investigations
Hazel Sheffield, Arena Networks Coordinator
This paper analyses how editorial coordinators manage tasks in cross-border investigations. It draws on the personal experiences of some of the luminaries of the field, including the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), European Investigative Collaborations (EIC), Lighthouse Reports and Forbidden Stories.
Published: April 24, 2025
Keywords: Cross-border journalism; investigative journalism; coordination; roles; collaboration; investigative reporting; Europe; funded journalism; media systems; non-profit organisations
“Flexibility is key”: lessons from a decade of experimentation in collaborative journalism
Alessia Cerantola, Investigate Europe editorial director
Cerantola explores a decade of experimentation in collaborative investigative journalism, drawing on her time working with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) and as a coordinator with the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP).
Published: February 27, 2025
Keywords: Cross-border journalism; models of journalism, collaboration, OCCRP, ICIJ, Investigate Europe
Collaborative investigative journalism networks: the Arena Way
Hazel Sheffield, Arena for Journalism networks coordinator
This paper explores the evolution of collaborative, cross-border journalism networks, offering guidance on how different models can be used for different types of work. It draws on the experiences of Arena for Journalism in Europe as a support organisation for collaborative journalism.
Published: February 27, 2025
Keywords: guide; open access; networks; funding; communication; cross-border investigative journalism; data; Europe; funded journalism; media systems; non-profit organisations
Introducing the Arena Papers
Brigitte Alfter, Arena for Journalism director
Arena Director Brigitte Alfter introduces the Arena Papers series, outlining its purpose and vision for fostering reflection and discussion on journalism practice.
Published: February 27, 2025
Keywords: Cross-border journalism; investigative journalism; data journalism; digital journalism; collaboration; investigative reporting; Europe; analysis; Aristotle; non-profit organisation
Forthcoming papers
Fundraising in journalism – the question of how to fund public interest journalism has, if possible, become even more urgent. Our upcoming Arena Paper on fundraising will seek a deeper understanding and a shared terminology to discuss these questions.
Additional papers will be published in the coming months, continuing to explore critical topics and challenges in contemporary journalism practice.