Powering collaborative cross-border journalism

Hostwriter is an open network that helps journalists to easily collaborate across borders. We support members at all career levels to raise the quality of media coverage by providing local contacts around the globe. All journalists provide work samples by way of professional verification. Membership is free of charge.

Global Network

Joining the Hostwriter network ensures access to a large global community of journalists interested in cross-border collaboration.

Our members connect and share opportunities, tips, and calls for collaboration on our journalism community forum, HostWIRE. Connect to publishers and respond to calls for pitches exclusively for the network.

Media critique

We make visible the barriers in news media, from extractive attitudes to foreign reporting to double standards and injustices in the profession.

From our 2019 book Unbias the News: Why Diversity Matters for Journalism, to panels, workshops and interviews, we spread the word about collaboration and diversity as an anecdote to tired media dynamics.

Trainings

Our trainings bring together experts and reporters to expose cutting edge journalism techniques in a environment where we meet on eye level.

Whether discussing cross-border journalism, complicating the narrative, best practices for pitching and editing, or many other topics, our trainings welcome active participation and build on the leanings of our network.

Newsroom

Hostwriter runs Unbias the News - a global cross-border newsroom, working towards a more equitable and inclusive world of journalism. We highlight authors who face structural barriers because of who they are or what they write about.

Our innovative editorial manifesto prioritizes agency and dignity of all involved and gets results: our stories have been award winners and nominees, and our journalists go on to win recognition and legacy media bylines.

Content

Our articles and cross-border investigations concern human rights, climate change, migration, corruption and more. Journalists receive training from our editors when applicable, and increase their distribution through our Indie Media Alliance. The Alliance is a network of media partners across the globe that republish and often translate our content to reach a wider global audience.

Funding

Hostwriter has received financial support from the following foundations and programs.

For a detailed account, please visit Hostwriter's commitment to transparency.

Meet the team

Julia Vernersson

Managing Director

Julia is an NGO professional, focusing on international projects related to media and freedom of expression.

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Mercy Abang

Managing Director

Mercy Abang is one of the most syndicated journalists on the African continent.

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Tina Lee

Editor-in-Chief of Unbias the News

Tina is an editor, writer, and journalism trainer focused on media innovation, migration and human rights.

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Gabriela Ramírez

Head of Data & Multimedia

Gabriela is a storyteller researching the intersections of journalism, innovation, and product strategy. She holds a Master in Interactive Journalism.

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Judit Csikos

Finance

Judit is a project manager focusing on finance and grants, with close to 10 years of experience at various NGOs in Hungary, Austria and Germany.

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Katja Heitmann

CTO

Katja is a freelance web developer and a member of 'Reinblau' in Berlin.

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Founders

Hostwriter was founded in 2013 by three journalists who built the network next to their work as media professionals (from left to right): Sandra Maria Wild, Tabea Grzeszyk and Tamara Anthony.

Supervisory board

Jutta Freifrau von Falkenhausen

Lawyer and Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board

Maren Heltsche

Web developer and Vice-Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board

Merve Kayikci

Journalist and innovation manager

Aline Abboud

TV Anchor and Journalist

Michael Weber

Financial expert and founder

Eva-Maria McCormack

Executive Director, Strategic Communications, European Climate Foundation

Tabea Grzeszyk

Entrepreneurial Journalist and Co-founder of Hostwriter