Meridian International Center

Convening

Central Asia Journalist-in-Residence Program

The Central Asian Journalist-in-Residence Program brings journalists from across Central Asia to the United States for individual professional residencies designed to increase professional standards, increase the credibility and accuracy of participants’ reporting, and bolster independent media in Central Asia. Journalists-in-Residence participate in intensive month-long work placements at American media organizations in the state of Texas, supplemented by journalism training opportunities at local universities.

Through these residencies, Journalists-in-Residence explore the structure and operations of American media outlets and strengthen their understanding of source verification. This initiative aims to develop a cross-regional network of Central Asian independent journalists and media organizations. Journalists-in-Residence participate as part of a small cohort, collaborating during their time in the U.S. and upon their return to Central Asia continue to engage with a broader network of regional journalists, including through the GOViral network.

The Central Asian Journalist-in-Residence Program is part of the Central Asian Media Exchange Program (CAMEX) funded by the U.S. Department of State and implemented by Meridian International Center in partnership with Texas International Education Consortium (TIEC). Program Activities CAJIR Spring 2020 Application CAJIR Fall 2019 Opening Photos Journalist Aigul Adzhieva from Kyrgyz Republic during her fellowship at KXAN in Austin, Texas.

Journalist Erkinbek Kamalov from the Kyrgyz Republic at his desk at the Texas Tribune in Austin, Texas. Uzbek journalists Beruniy Alimov and Anastasiya Em at a Thanksgiving potluck with their Rivard Report colleagues in San Antonio, Texas. Project summary Central Asia Journalist-in-Residence Program Regions: South and Central Asia Countries: Kazakhstan , Kyrgyzstan , Turkmenistan , Tajikistan , Uzbekistan Impact Areas: Media and Journalism Program Areas: Global Leadership Partners: NGOs , Private Sector , Public Sector .