Vikes is a development cooperation foundation specialized in freedom of expression and the media
At Foundation for Media and Development (Vikes), we support freedom of expression, press freedom, and journalists’ rights in Finland and in global south. We believe that a free and diverse media is the foundation of democracy and a fundamental human right. Our work ensures that citizens have access to independent, critical, and unbiased information to support participation and decision-making.
Upcoming events
News
Conciliatory journalistic analysis paves the way for a multi-voiced debate
Researcher at The Finnish Association for Conciliatory Journalists Sopiva Mikko Hautakangas and journalist Noora Kettunen write in their blog about conciliatory journalism as a basis for a multi-voiced debate.
Sharmila Thakuri is an economics journalist whose investigative articles have led to a pending law change in Nepal.
Sharmila Thakuri specialized in economics because economics is at the root of almost all social problems. She has faced discrimination during her career, but has also received a lot of support.
How are kindergarten children and the local newspaper related?
Eveliina Kälviäinen, who is a board member of Vikes and the editorial manager of a local newspaper, reflects on the role of the local newspaper in media education.
20 years for freedom of expression and human rights
The Foundation for Communication and Development will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2025. Salla Nazarenko has been involved in Vikes for many years as Executive Director and Board Member. She has seen the foundation evolve from a small “diminutive workshop” to an agile international player.
Activities and Achievements in 2023
journalists
We train media professionals
In 2023, a total of 480 journalists and documentary filmmakers were trained and professionally supported with Vikes’ assistance.
The topics included investigative journalism, rural journalism, documentary production and editing, identifying hate speech and disinformation, fact-checking and recognizing false information, content creation, leadership, and supporting female leaders in media organizations. Additionally, partners were supported in managing websites and radio portals, reporting, formalizing institutions, and in governance-related activities.
partners
We promote freedom of expression in developing countries
Vikes had a total of 15 media organizations, media houses, or trade unions as partners in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Kenya, Myanmar, Nepal, Nicaragua, Somalia, Tanzania, and Uganda. In addition to concrete outputs such as articles and documentaries, the capacity of partners is strengthened, which in turn strengthens local civil society.
%
women
We support equality and female journalists
Female journalists face particular challenges in many countries. They are a minority in journalism, there are few in leadership positions, and harassment is not uncommon. In all of Vikes’ projects, we aim for gender equality. In 2023, 66% of the participants in our training programs were women.
Conciliatory journalistic analysis paves the way for a multi-voiced debate
Researcher at The Finnish Association for Conciliatory Journalists Sopiva Mikko Hautakangas and journalist Noora Kettunen write in their blog about conciliatory journalism as a basis for a multi-voiced debate.
Conciliatory journalistic analysis paves the way for a multi-voiced debate
Researcher at The Finnish Association for Conciliatory Journalists Sopiva Mikko Hautakangas and journalist Noora Kettunen write in their blog about conciliatory journalism as a basis for a multi-voiced debate.
Supporters of our work
Donors
Partner organizations
We work on development cooperation projects in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
In Finland, we train journalists and media students on topics such as sustainable development and the importance of diversity and pluralism in the media.