BetterStories Limited is excited to announce that Free Press Unlimited is supporting our flagship program TekSHOI, starting this year. This year’s TekSHOI initiative is branded Tekshoi Media Fellowship, a program designed specifically for journalists in Cox’s Bazar.
The program will address the challenges journalists face in Cox's Bazar and support them to develop a stronger, more ethical media landscape. This program is a collaboration between BetterStories Limited and the Cox’s Bazar Journalist Union. Free Press Unlimited is a Netherlands-based organization dedicated to defending journalists' rights. This initiative of FreePress is funded by the European Union.
Journalists in Cox’s Bazar confront complex issues daily, from navigating sensitive geopolitical topics to combating the rising tides of misinformation and disinformation. To combat these challenges, appropriate capacity building, professional development, and innovative solutions are urgently required. The Tekshoi Media Fellowship programme was designed with these needs in mind, aiming to uplift local journalists, and prepare them for a future where they can inform, educate, and inspire their communities with integrity and skill.
The Tekshoi Media Fellowship is a multi-stage, multifaceted program that blends training, mentorship, and hands-on assignments. The journey begins with an opening session, offering journalists the opportunity to explore. This session sets the tone for the fellowship and invites interested journalists to apply for the program. Following the application process, participants commence for an exclusive mentorship phase, guided by experienced professionals. During this stage, journalists explore deeply into the ethical, technical, and investigative aspects of their work. This prepares them for the upcoming assignments of this program designed to challenge and expand their abilities. Participants are given a certain period to complete in-depth assignments on topics central to the fellowship’s goals. These assignments allow them to apply their newly acquired skills and knowledge in a real-world context. Upon submission, the top 3 to 5 assignments are chosen for the fellowship. The selected fellows receive recognition and are further prepared to take on leadership roles in future journalism initiatives.
This initiative would not have been possible without the unwavering support of Free Press and the generous funding of the European Union. Their commitment to upholding journalists’ rights and strengthening media integrity has been crucial in bringing the Tekshoi Media Fellowship to life.The Tekshoi Media Fellowship is more than a program—it is a commitment to the growth and sustainability of ethical journalism. It is an opportunity for local journalists to transform not only their careers but also the way their communities are informed and engaged. Through this initiative, we envision a future where Cox’s Bazar stands as a hope of journalistic excellence, supported by a new generation of empowered and skilled professionals.