2 Week RIAS USA Program

Program and history

German journalists are invited to apply for a two-week exchange program in the United States and become part of a dynamic German-American network.

The RIAS Berlin Commission program was established in 1992 and has promoted 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. The RIAS program was also very popular in the free western part of Berlin.

The aim of the exchange between media professionals on both sides of the Atlantic is to keep the spirit of RIAS alive and promote sustainable connections between alumni chapters in many cities in Germany and the United States.

Around 1800+ American and German journalists have participated in the exchange programs since then.

The exchange

The program for German participants includes meetings and discussions with media professionals, political decision-makers and representatives of social groups in Washington, New York and other U.S. cities.

During their stay, participants can spend several days in the newsrooms of American radio or television stations outside the major media centers and learn about journalism beyond those centers. They often meet alumni who have taken part in programs in Germany.

Eligibility

Applicants must have five years of professional experience as radio, television or online/digital journalists. Staff and freelance journalists are both eligible.

How to apply

Please send the completed application form together with your CV, letter of recommendation, and essay, all in English, as a single PDF file (maximum 5 MB) to apply@riasberlin.org.