1. Introduction Thomson Reuters Foundation (TRF) is the corporate foundation of Thomson Reuters, the global news and information services company. As an independent charity we work to advance media freedom, foster more inclusive economies, and promote human rights. We combine our unique media development and legal services to drive systemic change through news, capacity strengthening, free legal assistance, and convening initiatives. As part of its global programme to advance free, fair and informed societies, the Thomson Reuters Foundation is working to strengthen the resilience, credibility and editorial sustainability of media in subSaharan Africa. Working with newsrooms, journalists and civil society organisations, the project aims to ensure that audiences in the region have access to transparent and accurate reporting. The focus countries for this project are Kenya, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. One of the key aspects of the project involves TRF’s unique dual-track training for civil society organisations (CSOs) and journalists on strategic communications and reporting on transnational issues, in order to strengthen public-interest reporting on these issues for a wider audience. The initial 4-day course will be delivered through TRF’s Dual Track approach; journalists and representatives of CSOs will take part in simultaneous training courses (tracks) led by our leading team of trainers. At strategic moments during the four days, and through subsequent programme engagements, the two tracks will come together for joint sessions to facilitate mutual learning and networking. This approach has proven highly successful in strengthening collaboration between the media and civil society. TRF acknowledges the importance of both CSOs and journalists in bringing to light issues on transnational illegal activities such as wildlife smuggling, unregulated fishing and exploitative labour practices, which are impacting countries’ economies as well as wider regional stability. The training will look at key challenges journalists in Kenya, Tanzania and Zimbabwe face when investigating these stories, as well give useful tips to improve the quality of the content they produce on these issues. Additionally, the training will equip Civil Society Organisations working on these topics on how to effectively engage the media to raise awareness and garner action from policy makers on these issues. 2