Programs& exchange

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 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.

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

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

During their stay, participants can spend a few days in the newsrooms of American radio or television stations in the country’s interior and learn more about journalism outside the major media centers. They often meet alumni who have participated in programs in Germany.

Applicants must demonstrate five years of professional experience as radio, television or online/digital journalists, whether as staff employees or freelancers.

Application deadline: October 25, 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.

Around 1800+ 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.

Please send your completed application forms and required materials (CV, Letter of Recommendation, Essay) in one PDF (max size 5MB) to apply@riasberlin.org.

Application deadline: October 25, 2026

Providing the next generation of journalists with objective information and professional training on the contexts and impacts of international action is becoming increasingly important. Pressure on media systems is growing, disinformation is rampant. Germany and the United States are no exception.

RIAS Berlin Commission’s program fosters the collaboration between journalism students from Germany and the USA on joint projects and aims to promote long-term transatlantic relationships among members of the next generation of media professionals.

Eight American and eight German students will be given the opportunity to work together on projects focused on exploring transatlantic issues such as trade, defense, politics, culture and the future of journalism with themes such as AI, public vs private media, funding, citizen journalism.

A transatlantic jury of journalists will conduct the application interviews with great emphasis on diversity, motivation, and a sustained interest in journalism as a career goal.

Participating students will be assigned to transatlantic working groups, which will be mentored by experienced journalists from the pool of RIAS alumni.

Over the course of the collaboration, each group produces at least two journalistic products such as text, audio, video, or data journalism formats of their choice as well as a comparative analysis of a transatlantic media topic.

The groups will also prepare their work results for a presentation to their peers during the in-person workshops in Washington, DC (October 03-07, 2027) and in Berlin (May 2028). Travel expenses will be covered by RIAS.

During the workshop weeks, RIAS will also organize meetings for the students with journalists from leading media outlets, as well as visits to newsrooms. Opportunities for exchange with representatives of civil society, think tanks, and politicians will also be scheduled.

All results of this program will be compiled into a digital project portfolio that includes both the journalistic contributions and the students’ methodological insights, working methods, and key conclusions. RIAS will share their published work with German and American journalism organizations.

Apply by Monday, November 30, 2026, with your CV and statement of motivation/cover letter to: students@riasberlin.org