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.
Our projects
Our projects aim to strengthen cross-border journalism as a tool to overcome national bias and prejudice, ultimately contributing towards better informed, more accountable and democratic societies.
The Hostwriter Prize
The Hostwriter Prize is awarded annually to collaborative journalism pieces, as well as promising story pitches submitted by our members.
Trainings and Workshops
Hostwriter provides workshops and trainings on the subject of cross-border journalism as a method and as a mindset.
Agora Global
This project seeks to enable cross-border journalism on all continents. The idea was born in 2017 with a temporary European newsroom.
Unbias the News
Hostwriter aims to spread awareness of unconscious bias and the lack of diversity in today’s journalism to improve collaborations at eye level.
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 Zistl, Tabea Grzeszyk and Tamara Anthony.
Supervisory 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
Tamara Anthony
Head of ARD-Studio Beijing, China
Eva-Maria McCormack
Head of Communications, German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP)
Simon Tennant
Production Engineering Manager at Soundcloud
Michael Weber
Financial expert and founder
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.