2 Week RIAS Germany Program Summer & Fall
🌞 Summer: June 14 – 27, 2026
🍃 Fall: September 6 – 19, 2026
American journalists are invited to apply for a two-week exchange program in Germany and become part of a dynamic German-American network.
The RIAS Berlin Commission program was established in 1992 and has been promoting exchanges between German and American journalists ever since. It was named after the legendary radio station “Radio in the American Sector” (RIAS), which was the “voice of the free world” during the Cold War, broadcasting news, information and music to the former socialist-ruled GDR, where the media was state-controlled. But the RIAS program was also very popular in the free western part of Berlin.
The aim of the exchange between media professionals from both sides of the Atlantic is to keep the spirit of RIAS alive and to promote sustainable networking between the alumni chapters in many cities in Germany and the USA.
Almost 1700 American and German journalists have participated in the exchange programs since then.
The program for American participants includes meetings and discussions with media professionals, political decision-makers and representatives of social groups in Berlin and other cities in Germany as well as meetings in Brussels.
During their stay, participants can spend a few days in the editorial offices of German radio or television stations across country and learn more about the specifics of journalism outside the major media centers. They often meet alumni who have participated in programs in America.
We ask that applicants have a minimum of five years of continued professional experience as full-time radio, TV, or online/digital journalists. Whether as staff employees or freelancers. German language skills are not required.
Application deadline: November 30th 2025
3 Week - Germany ERP Student Fellowship for U.S. Students
Coming soon
2 Week RIAS USA Program Spring & Fall
🌼 Spring: March 8 – 21, 2026
🍃 Fall: Oktober 11 – 24, 2026
Deutsche Journalistinnen und Journalisten sind eingeladen, sich für ein zweiwöchiges Austauschprogramm in den Vereinigten Staaten zu bewerben und Teil eines dynamischen deutsch-amerikanischen Netzwerks zu werden.
Das Programm der RIAS Berlin Kommission wurde 1992 ins Leben gerufen und fördert seither den Austausch zwischen deutschen und amerikanischen Journalisten. Es wurde nach dem legendären Radiosender „Radio im amerikanischen Sektor“ (RIAS) benannt, der zu Zeiten des Kalten Krieges die „Stimme der freien Welt“ war und Nachrichten, Informationen und Musik in die ehemalige sozialistisch regierte DDR sendete, in der die Medien staatlich gelenkt wurden. Aber auch im freien Westteil von Berlin war das Programm von RIAS sehr beliebt.
Das Ziel des Austausches zwischen Medienprofis von beiden Seiten des Atlantiks ist es, den Geist von RIAS lebendig zu halten und eine nachhaltige Vernetzung der Alumni-Chapter in vielen Städten in Deutschland und den USA zu fördern.
Fast 1700 amerikanische und deutsche Journalistinnen und Journalisten haben seither an den Austauschprogrammen teilgenommen.
Im Programm für deutsche Teilnehmer stehen Begegnungen und Gespräche mit Medienschaffenden, politischen Entscheidern und Vertretern gesellschaftlicher Gruppen in Washington, New York und weiteren Städten in den USA.
Während ihres Aufenthalts können Teilnehmer einige Tage in Redaktionen amerikanischer Radio- oder Fernsehsender im Landesinneren verbringen und erfahren dabei mehr über die Besonderheiten des Journalismus außerhalb der großen Medienzentren. Oft treffen sie hier auf Alumni, die an Programmen in Deutschland teilgenommen haben.
Bewerber für das Programm müssen fünf Jahre Berufserfahrung als Radio-, TV- oder Online/Digital-Journalisten nachweisen. Ob fest angestellt oder freiberuflich ist dabei nicht relevant.
Bewerbungsfrist: 31. Oktober 2025
3 Week - U.S. ERP Student Fellowship for German Students
Coming soon
Frequently Asked Questions
The RIAS Berlin Commission offers four distinct programs designed to foster transatlantic understanding through journalism exchange. Below are the most frequently asked questions, grouped by program type.
The RIAS Berlin Commission offers several transatlantic exchange programs for journalists and students:
- USA Journalists Program: (March and October annually): A two-week program for German journalists with a minumum of five years professionel experience. Meetings in Washington, D.C., New York and other cities, including a placement in a newsroom in the USA for a few days.
- Germany Journalists Program: (June and September annually): A two-week program for American journalists, featuring visits to newsrooms, meetings with politicians and think tanks in Germany and Brussels.
- ERP Student Program: This program for qualified journalism students is currently being revised.
- Alumni Program: This one-week program offers background briefings and meetings with government officials, think tanks, and institutions for RIAS alumni.
USA Journalists Program: German radio, TV, and online journalists with five years of experience (mid-20s to mid-50s).
Germany Journalists Program: American journalists (radio, TV, online) with at least five years of experience.
Alumni Program: Alumni of RIAS programs.
ERP Student Program: Undergraduate or graduate students in journalism, international affairs, or related fields, ideally with some journalism experience.
- Round-trip air travel and domestic flights during the program.
- Hotel accommodations during the program.
- Some meals during the program.
- Participants must contribute a fee of 500€ (for German participants in US programs) or $500 (for US participants in Germany programs) and cover personal expenses and some meals.
Journalists and Student Programs: After reviewing applications, candidates are invited for interviews with via video conference.
Applicants must submit the following:
Completed application form
Résumé/CV
Letter of recommendation
Two essays (as specified in the application form)
Applications should be sent via email to apply@riasberlin.org.
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