The Support Programme for Tunisian Media (PAMT2), in collaboration with the Foundation for Studies and Research on International Development (Ferdi) under the Savoirs éco project, and in partnership with the data aggregation platform Arkam, is launching a call for applications for SAWT (صوت) — an innovative initiative designed to bridge the gap between Tunisian research and the media.

In light of the complexity of socio-economic challenges and the difficulties faced by media outlets in producing in-depth content due to limited resources or lack of access to data, the SAWT (صوت) programme aims to break down silos. The objective is to enable journalists to work directly with researchers and Tunisian think-tank experts to transform rigorous economic analyses (policy briefs) into accessible, factual, and high-impact media content. The research themes address various issues, including regional development, transparency and tax justice, and the resilience of the economy in the face of shocks. By enriching public debate, the project seeks to strengthen journalism’s role as a vehicle for knowledge and active citizenship.

The Support Provided

A group of 12 to 15 journalists will be selected to benefit from comprehensive, multidimensional support:

• Exclusive Access: Journalists will gain privileged, early access to studies not yet published in Tunisia.

• High-Level Training Cycle: A complete programme to master modern journalism tools and concepts, including:

  • Understanding economic themes and methodologies.

  • Using advanced data-visualisation tools.

  • Handling empirical data for investigative journalism.

  • Integrating Artificial Intelligence into the journalistic process.

  • Producing storytelling-oriented video content for the web and social media.

  • Training on the Arkam platform for information access and dissemination.

• Collaboration and Mentorship: Journalists will work in pairs with the authors of the policy briefs. Tailored mentorship from media and data experts will be provided by PAMT2 to ensure the quality of productions.

• Production Support: A budget will be allocated to facilitate field reporting (particularly for regional development stories), enabling the production of in-depth reports.

• Dissemination and Visibility: Produced content will be disseminated at least twice: through the participants’ own media outlets and via the Arkam platform.

Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)

This call is open to journalists who meet the following requirements:

• Be a Tunisian journalist residing and working in Tunisia.

• Have at least four years of professional experience in journalism (print, online, radio, television).

• Be affiliated with a Tunisian media outlet or be a freelance journalist able to demonstrate regular publications.

• Show a strong interest in economic and social issues, as well as investigative or data journalism.

• Commit to actively participating in the entire three-month programme (training sessions, collaborative workshops, content production).

Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed by a selection committee based on the following:

• Motivation and Relevance of Profile: The clarity of the candidate’s motivations, coherence of career path, and proven interest in economic and data journalism.

• Quality of Journalistic Work: The quality, rigour, and originality of past productions submitted in the portfolio.

• Dissemination Potential: The candidate’s ability to ensure broad dissemination of produced content, whether through their affiliated media outlet or their own distribution channels.

• Vision and Innovative Approach: The relevance and creativity of the proposed approach to explain and popularise complex economic topics, as described in the statement of intent.