How Can Solutions Journalism Overcome News Fatigue and Reconnect with Audiences?
11-12-13 November 2026 (Arrival Day 11 November)
Brussels, Belgium
European Committee of the Regions
This workshop will help journalists to understand what solutions journalism is and how to use it to improve their editorial coverage and reconnect with their audience.
Who is it for?
The workshop is suited for 15 journalists and Chiefs editors comfortable with English who want to know more about solutions journalism and introduce solutions stories in their daily reports.
What can I expect? Workshop programme
Wednesday 11 November 2026
19:00
Meeting point at the hotel reception; some logistical information will be given to the participants.
Thursday 12 November 2026
09:00 – 13:00
- Why solutions journalism is key to overcoming news fatigue?
Understand the causes of news fatigue and learn how solutions journalism responds to this challenge by covering credible responses helping media organizations build stronger relationships with their audiences.
- What is solutions journalism - and what it’s not?
Learn the 4 pillars of solutions journalism and how to produce balanced, rigorous and evidence-based reporting.
Exercise 1: Analyze television solutions stories, strong and weak examples.
14:00 - 18:00
- How to practice solutions journalism?
Discover practical tools and techniques for producing high-quality solutions journalism while avoiding advocacy. We’ll explore strategies for integrating a solution lens throughout the reporting process.
- What stories can be covered?
Solutions stories can be found across every beat: society, economics, politics, business, health, climate, sports, culture etc. Learn to identify and develop compelling solutionsfocused story ideas.
- Exercise 2: Pitch solutions stories ideas.
Invitation to Dinner at 7:30 p.m. The restaurant details will be shared closer to the date. The restaurant will be located near the hotel.
Friday 13 November 2026
09:00 - 13:00
- Discover impactful solutions stories from Europe and around the world.
- Exercise 3: Develop solutions-oriented angles and new storytelling formats.
- Resources.
Who will lead the workshop?
The training is led by Sophie Roland, Editor-in-Chief for Investigations and solutions at Vert, and certified trainer in Europe with the Solutions Journalism Network – a US-based nonprofit organization founded by two formers New York Times’s journalists. Sophie trains journalists from French media, including public broadcaster France Televisions, the private television network TF1 and M6, national and local newspapers as well as journalism students in solutions journalism. Her last documentary “What do we eat?” which explores food-related challenges through a solutions approach was broadcast on public channel, France5. In 2022, she co-authored “Upgrading journalistic practices to tackle the ecological emergency: a charterUpgrading journalistic practices to tackle the ecological emergency: a charter”, an initiative that has been endorsed by 2000 journalists and 200 organizations and media outlets across France. For more than 20 years, Sophie worked for French public broadcaster France Televisions, where she contributed to some of the country’s leading investigative programs including “Envoyé Spécial” and “Cash Investigation”.
She recently spoke at the 42nd CIRCOM Annual Conference in Tampere, Finland.
Where will it take place?
The event will take place at the European Committee of the Regions, Batiment Jacques Delors, Rue Belliard 99/101, 1040 Bruxelles, Belgium.
What level of English do I need?
You need to be comfortable speaking and discussing topics in English. This event relies heavily on contributions from delegates.
How many spaces are available?
There are 15 places available. Each station can send a maximum of 2 people. Places will be assigned on a first come, first served basis.
How to apply?
REGISTRATION FORM
Registration deadline: Friday 9th October 2026
What accommodation is available?
Ibis Brussels Centre Châtelain, 191 Ch. de Vleurgat – 1050 Brussels
(The hotel is only 20 minutes by bus)
CIRCOM has a special rate with the Ibis:
- 149€ Single room/night – including breakfast.
- 159€ per day per room, for a double/twin room, breakfast included.
- The tourist tax is 5,60 euros per night and per person.
A confirmation email will be sent after registration to each candidate with the Ibis hotel reservation information
Who pays for what?
Travel and accommodation to be paid by delegate’s home station.
Lunch at the Committee of the Regions canteen on day 2 and 3 to be paid by delegate’s home station.
Dinner on day 2 offered by CIRCOM Academy.
Training free of charges.
Any other expenses, including food are to be paid for by the delegates.
What if I have any special requirements?
Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you require any assistance or have any access requirements.
