Why Launch a Newsroom by and for Young Journalists?

On April 14–15, the European IQ Media Conference on “Innovation in the Media” was organized by the Group Nice-Matin and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. IQ Media Hub hosted a workshop titled : why launch a Newsroom by ans for Young Journalists ?

💡 Presented by Aggelos Petropoulos, Content Director at iMEdD and Executive Editor of YOJO (Young Journalists), this keynote at the IQ Media Conference highlighted iMEdD’s ambitious new initiative, YOJO—a groundbreaking newsroom tailored specifically for emerging journalists and reporters.

Drawing from my personal experience reporting from conflict zones, leading newsrooms and launching digital initiatives I emphasized journalism as both a powerful privilege and significant responsibility. Addressing current challenges faced by journalism, including declining public trust, sustainability concerns, and limited opportunities for emerging journalists, I explained how the YOJO newsroom opportunity came to be.

🌐 The YOJO newsroom initiative is part of iMEdD’s (incubator for Media Education and Development) long-term mission to support journalists, students, and media professionals by providing tools, resources, and opportunities essential for quality journalism. It specifically aims to rebuild public trust and extend the reach of quality journalism to younger, news-averse audiences by experimenting with video-first journalism and innovating through data-driven reporting and immersive storytelling forms.

💪 Designed as a digital-first, video-centric newsroom, YOJO offers one- to two-year paid placements (full time reporting positions in Athens) specifically targeted at recent graduates from around the world. It uniquely combines hands-on field reporting, mentorship from experienced journalists, and cutting-edge storytelling techniques—including immersive journalism, AI-assisted reporting, and innovative data journalism. Young journalists at YOJO will have the unique opportunity to push the boundaries of quality storytelling through transparent, accountable, and impactful journalism.

👏 Launching officially in January 2026, YOJO represents a significant commitment to the future of media. Led by distinguished newsroom veterans and international technology experts, YOJO will draw additional expert trainers from iMEdD’s extensive global network, fostering a dynamic environment where emerging journalists can flourish.

Applications for YOJO opened on March 29 and will continue until July 31, 2025. YOJO is set to redefine journalism by providing the next generation of media professionals with the tools, mentorship, and platform necessary to innovate and lead the industry forward.

✍️ Aggelos Petropoulos, Content Director at iMEdD and Executive Editor of YOJO (Young Journalists)

📸 Franck Fernandes (Nice-Matin)

Applicants wishing to apply to the YOJO initiative can do so by either going on the web-page yojo.news or find the initiative’s information on the webpage of the organization iMEdD (incubator for Media Education and Development).