Peer-to-Peer Mentorship Programme
Connect with peers and learn from each other in a growing community of independent media pioneers
About
IPI Peer-to-Peer Mentorship matches journalists and media innovators to share expertise and advice on anything from media management to audience engagement and product development. IPI connects peers who face similar challenges, complement each other’s expertise, or can offer know-how and experience to one another, to strengthen professional networks and foster knowledge sharing, skills development, and solidarity among media professionals and newsrooms globally.
Peer mentoring brings media professionals together to talk through shared challenges, brainstorm ideas and learn from each other’s experience. Our mentorship process is designed around listening and relating: peers take the time to understand each other’s context, so the advice they share is practical and fits the realities of their newsroom. Every new match grows our community and opens the door to lasting collaboration between newsrooms.
- Alumni applicants are anyone who has been a part of a newsroom that participated in IPI Media Innovation programmes like Transition Accelerator, New Media Incubator, Global AI Accelerator for Media and Local News Accelerator.
- Non-alumni applicants are anyone who has not yet participated in the above-mentioned programmes.
There is no geographical eligibility limits.
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Our approach to mentorship
We believe the best advice comes from someone who has faced a similar challenge and takes the time to understand yours. Every pairing is made IPI team based on our extensive experience, research and advisory.
When we match peers, we look at:
- Shared or complementary challenges: what you want to discuss, and who has worked through something similar.
- Expertise you can offer each other: so that both sides learn, not just one.
- Your context: newsroom size, business model, region and language, based on your preferences.
- Your goals and availability: so that the format suits both of you.
This approach builds on IPI’s long-standing work supporting media innovation. Our past mentorship programmes have already matched more than 80 media professionals from over 15 countries.
Over the past years our innovation programmes have connected newsrooms at every scale, from one-to-one mentoring pairs to cohorts and networks of hundreds of members. Along the way, we have built a unique database of media innovators, experts and alumni newsrooms across Europe and beyond, which we draw on for every match.
How it works
猬� Step 1 鈥� Apply
Check the eligibility criteria below. If your newsroom has taken part in IPI’s innovation activities over the past years, fill in the alumni media form. If you are new to IPI’s network, fill in the non-alumni media form. Applications close on 8 December 2026. IPI reviews them on a rolling basis and will let you know the status of yours.
猬� Step 2 鈥� Get matched
If your application is successful, your profile is added to IPI’s non-public peer database. IPI will pair you with the peer who best matches the kind of mentorship you鈥檙e looking for. If there are other people you鈥檇 like to connect with, we鈥檙e happy to arrange additional matches. We will give you a rough time estimate for your match, which depends on the number of applications we receive.
猬� Step 3 鈥� Kick off
IPI sets up an online kickoff meeting with you and your peer, and gives you a worksheet tailored to your pairing, built around the topics you both want to discuss.
猬� Step 4 鈥� Exchange with your peer
Together, you find a mentorship setup that works for you, depending on interest and availability, and discuss projects, challenges and solutions.
猬� Step 5 鈥� Share your feedback
At the end of your mentorship, IPI sends you a short feedback form to reflect on the process. You are welcome to request a new pairing and take part again at any time.
Eligibility and expectations
Who can apply
- Journalists and media professionals from independent newsrooms all over the world, in all stages of development, can apply.听
- Apply as an individual. Colleagues from the same newsroom are welcome, but each person needs to submit their own application.
As a peer, you should be ready to
- Take ownership and be proactive. You play a crucial role in defining the mentorship’s objectives and potential outcomes. Together with your peer, agree on the format, duration and frequency that best fit your needs. Aim to lead the process and make the most of it!
- Dig into the problem you want to solve. To make the process effective, identify a specific question or challenge you would like to discuss.
- Share your own experience. Listen to your peer’s needs, and reference similar experiences in your newsroom and the steps you took to address them.
- Help your peer find their own solutions. You are there to guide each other, not to provide ready-made solutions or impose your opinions.
- Recognize the advantages and limits of mentorship. Peer mentoring is there to guide you, not to tackle all the challenges you face. It is eventually up to you how you deploy the insights gained into your work.
Guiding principles
- Mutual agreement. All decisions on the format and type of mentorship (such as meeting frequencies, communication platforms etc.) will be based on mutual agreement.
- Clear outcomes. Before starting, we recommend that peers agree on the primary focal points by determining the objectives and desired outcomes of the mentorship. Come to meetings with questions and considerations prepared, to ensure everyone’s time is spent productively.
- Two-way learning. Make a conscious effort to learn from each other. Every peer brings fresh perspectives and expertise.
- Confidentiality. At the beginning of the process, peers should agree on whether they wish to keep the process confidential. Participants are encouraged to share their experiences and key learnings with a larger audience.
IPI rules of conduct
- We apply a zero-tolerance policy for harassment, bullying and discrimination.
- Be polite and respectful of your peers鈥� work and transparent about your own.
- NO product sales or other sales spam.
- NO political debate without a journalistic angle and fact-checking.
- When learning and getting inspired from your peers, attribute appropriately and give credit where credit is due.
- There are no stupid questions, and everyone has something useful to share. We encourage you to be open and curious about tricky questions in this exciting industry.
- All applicants must respect confidentiality and avoid sharing sensitive information without consent. We are especially committed to protecting the safety of peers working in politically challenging environments.
Time commitment
IPI mentorship design is for a busy schedule and will be tailored to your needs. We recommend a minimum membership duration of 3 month.
Each pairing and duration of the mentorship will be tailored to your specific need and challenge. Based on our recommendation and worksheet materials, you will be able to assess what duration of the mentorship makes most sense for you.听
Why should you apply?
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The mentorship programme facilitates the continuous transfer of knowledge and expertise, fostering a thriving community rooted in engagement, trust, and mutual support.
As a peer, you get access to a space for mutual learning, networking and collaboration between media professionals and newsrooms from different parts of Europe and the world. The programme allows peers to share knowledge on skills and tools, and discuss common industry challenges, solution approaches and best practices.
Together, we are shaping a forward-thinking and innovative media landscape that adapts to the ever-evolving needs of our industry.
Key benefits
- Free and flexible model
- No geographical eligibility limits, join from anywhere
- An industry peer who understands your challenges and can share hands-on experience
- Guidance from IPI’s team throughout the match
- Access to IPI’s global peer database of independent newsrooms
- Invitations to community events, including IPI’s Media Innovation Festival. Save the date for the 2027 Media Innovation Festival.听
Not sure which form is right for you? Contact us at innovation[at]ipi[dot]media.
Testimonials
FAQ
Is participation free?
Yes, participation is free of charge.
What is the application deadline?
The first round of pairing will be based on applications submitted by December 8, 2026.
How long does matching take?
It depends on the number of applications we receive and the matches we can find for you. Once your application is accepted, we will give you a rough time estimate.
Can I choose my peer?
IPI will pair you with a peer who we think will best match with the kind of mentorship you鈥檙e looking for. We鈥檙e also happy to facilitate additional matches if you identify other people you鈥檇 like to connect with.
What happens if a proposed peer isn't available?
We will propose another peer from our database and keep you updated on timing.
How long does a mentorship last?
We recommend a minimum duration of three months. However, you can continue for as long as it is useful to you.
Can I apply for a mentorship more than once?
Yes. There is no limit. You can keep in touch with your peer for as long as you like, and request a new pairing with someone else at any time.
What is the mentorship worksheet?
Mentorship Worksheet is a short guide tailored by IPI team and specific to each pairing, based on the topics you and your peer want to discuss. The worksheet will help you structure your conversations and make the most of your time.
Can several people from my newsroom apply?
Yes. The programme is for individuals and each person has to submit their own application to be matched.
What if my mentorship isn't working out?
Get in touch with the IPI’s team at any time. We will help you find a solution, or match you with a different peer. Email us at innovation[at]ipi[dot]media.
Will our conversations be confidential?
In accordance with the guiding principles of the mentorship programme, we encourage confidentiality, as a default of the peer match.
At the kickoff meeting organised by IPI, you and your peer will agree on the level of confidentiality and we encourage you to check in with each other and obtain consent before sharing the information about the mentorship publicly.
If comfortable, we encourage you to share your experience and key learnings with IPI and your networks.
The programme is supported by:
