In an interview with Hungarian TV station HIR TV, shown on January 15 and 17, Fellow Paul Radu talked about the importance of investigative journalism in the battle against international corruption. Radu also discussed a new online manual he created for journalists in the Balkans to help them track corrupt businesses and organized crime across borders. While in Hungary, Radu agreed to help the Center for Independent Journalism set up the first center for investigative journalism in Budapest.

The Moscow-based Glasnost Defense Foundation (GDF) and the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) recently announced a series of training programs for Russian investigative journalists and bloggers.

Zaina Erhaim, a 24-year-old reporter for the Syria News website, has received a laptop as a prize for suggesting the name of a new online network for young Syrian journalists. The winning name: Tawasul, an Arabic word that loosely translates as “staying in touch.”

The judging committee said they chose Erhaim’s submission from more than 100 entries because it reflected the network’s aim to be an online resource and outlet for journalists under 30.

“Want to do something for change? Spare a weekend and make some phone calls. Anyone needs a form?” Yelling with smiles, several young men walked rapidly along the queue of supporters before the early voting rally began.