Stories cross borders - and journalists should, too.
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.
Advice
Use the Hostwriter network to get help quickly and make contacts in areas and organizations you have no current links to.
Collaboration
Search Hostwriter to find colleagues to work with across the world, or on your doorstep, with expertise you need and interests you share.
Accommodation
Over half of Hostwriter's members also offer their couch. Travel more for work, and stay with a Hostwriter journalist for free.
Our Ambassadors
Ambassadors are featured members who act as local Hostwriter representatives in their country or area of expertise. Click here to find out more and to see the complete list of our ambassadors.
The 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.
The Team
Founded by journalists who built up a platform for collaborative journalism
Julia Vernersson
Managing Director
Julia is an NGO professional, focusing on international projects related to media and freedom of expression.
Send MailMercy Abang
Managing Director
Mercy Abang is one of the most syndicated journalists on the African continent.
Send MailGabriela 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.
Send MailKatja Heitmann
CTO
Katja is a freelance web developer and a member of 'Reinblau' in Berlin.
Send MailZahra Salah Uddin
Member Engagement
Zahra is an Erasmus Mundus Alumna and a freelance journalist interested in cultural reporting.
Send MailAndy Wilke
Lead Design
Andy is a freelance graphic designer with a focus on branding and user experience.
Send MailChristina Lee
Unbias the News
Christina is a freelance writer and editor interested in travel and migration.
Send MailSupervisory Board
Since October 2016, Hostwriter has been supported by experts from different fields who foster the strategic development of the organization.
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
Code of Ethics
Hostwriter's philosophy is one of collaboration – both as a practical necessity but also as an ideal. It goes without saying that members are expected to treat each other professionally at eye level.
Giving advice does not mean revealing sensitive sources.
Engaging in research is not an invitation to steal someone's story.
Sleeping at a colleague's is no free hotel room.
Always make sure that the terms of collaboration are clear.
By becoming a member of Hostwriter you agree to our code of ethics.
Funding
Hostwriter has received financial support by the following foundations and programs. For a detailed account, please visit Hostwriter's commitment to transparency.