The benefits of further professional training for journalists are widely acknowledged by both employers and employees. There is also a special government-financed institute for further education of journalists in the south of Sweden, Fojo. This institute most often commonly offers week-long courses at no charge, and journalists keep their salaries during the course period. In addition, there are many funds to which journalists can apply for scholarships for further education.
Public service media companies have their own programmes for in-house training. Some national newspapers underline the possibilities for on-the-spot training by skilled veterans as news events unfold. Training opportunities for journalists in regional news media companies are less frequent. The journalists’ union wishes to see an increase in further education and recommends more cooperation with universities.
National interviews with editors and reporters indicate that growing attention for investigative reporting is also reflected in terms of further education of journalists, as investigative data journalism has top priority.
