Fojo receives increased funding for journalist training
The Fojo Media Institute at Linnaeus University has been providing professional development for journalists for over 50 years. This year, the Swedish government is increasing its funding to strengthen the institute’s mission of offering continuing education for journalists.
“We know from the number of journalists applying to our courses that there is an enormous demand for staying at the forefront of all the changes and challenges facing the industry. The development of AI, social media, and disinformation is fundamentally reshaping the information landscape before our eyes. Our role as a media institute is to equip journalists with the tools and knowledge to navigate their new reality—whatever it may look like,” says Paul Rapacioli, head of operations at Fojo.
According to Rapacioli, the investment is also a timely contribution to the ongoing exploration of journalism’s future role:
“With increased resources, we can not only train more people but also focus on critical future issues, such as how AI is changing the work of journalists,” Rapacioli continues.
The increase is also welcomed by the heads of faculty at Linnaeus University.
“It’s very encouraging that Fojo’s funding is being increased. This enables us to continue offering high-quality professional development for journalists, with a particular focus on pressing issues of the day in relation to journalists’ professional role,” says Bodil Petersson, dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities.
The government’s budget bill will now be submitted to the Riksdag for consideration and decision before the funding can become a reality.