Call for Applications: Applied Investigative Journalism Program
May 15 2026
Ortak invites young journalists and aspiring reporters interested in investigative journalism to take part in real investigative reporting processes.
You can access the application form for the Applied Investigative Journalism Program here.
Investigative journalism in Turkey is often carried out by small teams working under tight deadlines, limited resources, and within an increasingly shrinking media landscape. For early-career journalists, opportunities to participate in long-term investigations, receive editorial guidance, and experience the production process of investigative reporting are becoming increasingly limited. The Applied Investigative Journalism Program, organized by Ortak, aims to create a collaborative space for mentorship and hands-on production, enabling young journalists to directly engage with investigative journalism practices.
The program consists of two phases:
1. Workshop Phase / June 6–7 and 13, 2026
The first phase of the program consists of a three-day in-person workshop to be held in Istanbul in June 2026. Throughout the workshop, participants will take part in practical sessions focusing on research design, interviewing techniques, verification processes, video storytelling, AI tools for investigative journalists, basic OSINT approaches, field reporting practices, and holistic security.
The workshop is designed not only as a technical training space, but also as an introduction to the collaborative, editorial, and collective production culture of investigative journalism. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss with the Ortak team how long-term investigations are planned, developed, verified, and prepared for publication.
2. Applied Investigation Period / July–December 2026
Four participants selected from the workshop cohort will continue into the second phase of the program, joining Ortak’s ongoing investigative processes from July 2026 through the end of the year.
During this period, participants will contribute to Ortak’s investigations in line with their own interests and capacities. They may take part in research development, field reporting, data collection, verification, preparation of visual materials, and publication processes.
Rather than a conventional internship, this phase is designed as a practical editorial mentorship model in which young journalists are carefully integrated into real investigative production processes. The primary goal of the program is to provide aspiring investigative journalists with direct experience in long-term investigations and access to collaborative reporting practices.
Participants selected for the program will receive limited financial compensation based on their contributions to investigative production, as well as support for basic transportation and work-related expenses.
Who should apply?
The program is intended for young journalists and aspiring reporters who have a long-term interest in investigative journalism, are open to collaborative work, and are eager to learn and produce collectively. Journalism students, university students interested in journalism, independent journalists, and early-career reporters working in media organizations are all welcome to apply.
While there is no strict geographical limitation for applications, priority will be given to candidates based in Istanbul due to Ortak’s Istanbul-centered working structure. Since the applied investigation period will involve in-person collaboration, we kindly encourage applicants who are able to work face-to-face with the Ortak team to apply. Ortak will not provide accommodation or travel support for workshop participants.
Program schedule
Workshop dates: June 6–7 and June 13, 2026
Location: Istanbul
Applied investigation period: July – December 2026
Application deadline: May 24, 2026
You can access the application form for the Applied Investigative Journalism Program here.
