The Urban Journalism Network is a European initiative dedicated to advancing high-quality digital journalism that focuses on pressing urban challenges. As an organization, it brings together journalists and media professionals across European cities to investigate and report on critical topics affecting urban communities. With approximately 75% of Europeans living in urban areas, the network aims to enhance understanding and foster solutions to shared urban problems such as housing inequities, migration, demographics, and energy crises.
The network emphasizes collaboration through data-driven journalism and localized reporting. Its investigations address issues like the housing affordability crisis, land ownership dilemmas (#GroundControl), the rise of private student accommodations, and the global trade of non-performing loans (#GhostDebts). These in-depth projects often uncover systemic issues, such as land privatization and corporate influence on housing policies. The network also develops innovative tools for data collection and visualization, experimenting with AI to improve journalistic methods and cross-language reporting.
Notable for its impact, the Urban Journalism Network's work has been recognized with awards like the European Press Prize for Innovation. In addition to investigations, it offers accessible stories about urban topics to engage the wider public, aiming to connect citizens with the challenges and opportunities in their cities. By fostering collaboration among journalists and leveraging technology, the network contributes to a better-informed and active urban society.