Faq
What is VJ Movement?
VJ Movement is a public collaboration of more than 150 professional video journalists from almost 100 countries working together with you, the audience, to produce stories from around the world.
Why does independent journalism matter?
In an increasingly globalized world the need for international journalism is stronger than ever before. More access to information doesn't necessarily mean more understanding. Journalism provides us with the tools we need to make sense of information and of the world at large.
VJ Movement takes journalism to the next level by actively seeking your input in reporting the news. If that idea appeals to you, then join us. It's free.
Where do your project ideas come from?
From you and from us. Our series topics are suggested either by our correspondents, our team of in-house editors, or by you the user.
How can I contribute to a project?
As a user you can pitch your own story ideas and comment-on and "like" other people’s pitches. Work together with our journalists and strengthen their reporting with your tips, information and suggestions.
What effect does 'liking' a pitch have?
By 'liking' a comment or pitch you're telling the VJ Movement editors to that you'd like us to produce that idea. The more users "like" a certain pitch the more likely it is that VJM will send out a correspondent to turn the idea into a video story. The video will appear as an addition to the series.
Can I pitch stories to older projects?
Yes. A series is never closed. As a user, if you feel one of our series deserves an update or a new insight then pitch that idea. Get your friends and fellow users to support you by "liking" and commenting and we'll produce your story idea.
Do you pay your correspondents?
Yes. Journalism is a profession and quality journalism costs money. Our VJs are all professionals with a minimum of 3 year's experience. Click here to find out what it takes to become a Video Journalist.
Is the site free?
Yes. We don't charge for our content. That's especially important in those parts of the world where independent journalism is scarce. However, we do call upon all those who can, to contribute to keeping online professional journalism alive.
What do you mean by "There is more than one truth"
Having different backgrounds means having different perspectives. Based on the same facts, different journalists will come up with entirely different stories. These are not wrong, simply different. That is exactly why they have an added value. It’s not up to the media to judge perspectives; that’s up to each individual.
It doesn't matter that users don't agree with everything they see here, what counts is that the they understand where it comes from. That's what we mean by "There is more than one truth".
To get there, journalists and audience play an equally important role. No single journalist can produce an objective story alone. What journalists can do is show and explain a viewpoint or truth. Our professional video journalists work together with the audience to show those different truths.
Who funds this?
You do. Or you will if you think independent journalism is worth a donation. In time we aim to get most or our funding from the public. We also offer various journalistic services to third parties, such as content licensing and on-demand production.
At the moment our main supporters are various benefactors who share our journalistic mission. These partners are grant foundations that support a free press. Among them is the Foundation for Democracy and Media, Media Development Loan Fund and Stimuleringsfonds voor de Pers.
What is the VJ Movement Foundation?
The VJ Movement Foundation is a non-profit organization that exists to support local journalists, empower quality journalism across the world and enhance international reporting. The foundation provides support and training to journalists in regions where freedom of the press is under pressure. It also strives to increase awareness of the importance of the role of journalism in society.
