🇮🇹 Summer School for Journalists in Florence 📰 CMPF Summer School — AI, Platforms & the Future of Journalism 🇮🇹
Who is a journalist today — and what is journalism actually for in an age of generative AI, big tech platforms, and political influencers? These are not rhetorical questions. They are the central focus of the 14th edition of the CMPF Summer School for Journalists and Media Practitioners, taking place at the European University Institute campus in Florence, Italy. Over five days, 24 selected journalists and media professionals will examine the legal, economic, political, ethical, and practical dimensions of journalism’s transformation — and what must be protected if democracy is to survive it. Multiple scholarships are available covering travel, accommodation, tuition, and all course materials. Deadline to apply: 15 March 2026.
🏛️ Did You Know? The European University Institute (EUI) in Florence — where this summer school takes place — is a unique international centre for advanced academic research and teaching, established by the EU member states in 1972. Its hilltop campus in the Fiesole area overlooks Florence and is one of the most beautiful academic settings in Europe.
Programme Overview
📅 Monday, 15 June — Practice Day
Big Tech, AI, and journalism: visibility and viability. Exploring creative disruption and shifting news authorities in the current information ecosystem.
📅 Tuesday, 16 June — Economics Day
Big Tech–media resource redistribution, innovative journalism business models, and industrial policy for the news sector.
📅 Wednesday, 17 June — Futures Day
Imagining alternative public interest digital news infrastructures — global experiences and comparative approaches.
📅 Thursday, 18 June — Legal Day
The EU regulatory framework and global standards — covering the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), the Digital Services Act (DSA), the AI Act, the Copyright Directive, and key international developments in internet governance and their impact on journalism.
📅 Friday, 19 June — Interactive Lab
A collaborative interactive lab session in partnership with the EUI’s Max Weber Programme — combining critical analysis with practical reflection.
💡 Did You Know? The Digital Services Act (DSA) and the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) — both covered in depth at this summer school — are two of the most significant pieces of EU legislation to directly regulate online platforms and protect media independence in the history of the European Union. Understanding them is now essential knowledge for any journalist working in or covering Europe.
Scholarships & Funding
🎓20 CMPF Scholarships — for applicants from Creative Europe countries (EU27, candidate countries, EEA, and select neighbourhood policy countries). Covers travel, 5 nights accommodation, tuition, all course materials, EUI library access, Wi-Fi, social activities, lunches, and coffee breaks.
🇹🇷🇺🇦2 Scholarships for Türkiye & Ukraine — funded by the Robert Schuman Centre. Provides a €1,000 contribution towards travel and accommodation for 5 nights, plus tuition, course materials, EUI library access, and Wi-Fi. If no eligible applicants from these countries apply, scholarships may be awarded to other nationalities.
🌍Up to 3 Erasmus+ International Mobility Grants — for participants from partner universities in Albania, South Africa, Jamaica, Montenegro, Ghana, and Ukraine. Students receive €79/day; faculty staff receive €160 or €190/day, plus a travel grant.
What You Will Gain
🧠A shared understanding of the key trends affecting journalism, informed citizenship, and democratic accountability in the digital age
⚖️An up-to-date overview of the legislative landscape governing digital content — including the DSA, EMFA, AI Act, and Copyright Directive
💼Practical strategies for developing sustainable journalism business models in a platform-dominated information environment
🤝Facilitated networking among a diverse international cohort of journalists, media practitioners, researchers, and industry experts
📜A certificate awarded to participants who successfully complete the full programme
Who Can Apply?
📰Early and mid-career journalists and media practitioners residing in the EU or in Creative Europe countries — primarily designed for mid-career professionals but open to other news industry stakeholders and researchers
🌍Also open to applicants from Türkiye, South Africa, Jamaica, and Ghana
🗣️Full English fluency is required — English is the sole working language of the summer school
✅Selection is based on professional profile, language skills, international experience, work history, and overall application quality — with attention to diversity of countries and backgrounds
⚠️The CMPF can provide an invitation letter for selected participants but cannot assist with visa applications or travel document costs
Key Information
Application Link
⚠️ Important Notice
1️⃣ Source of Information
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2️⃣ Responsibility for Content
The organiser is solely responsible for the accuracy, details, and updates of the opportunity content.
3️⃣ Right to Modify or Withdraw
Organisations reserve the right to make changes after publication — including eligibility criteria, conditions, or deadlines — or to withdraw the announcement entirely.
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💡 Final Note:
All listings are shared for informational purposes only. Please always verify details directly through the official organiser or programme website before applying.
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