About

The Urban Journalism Network is a network of diverse media outlets and journalists committed to investigating the challenges in European cities. We do so by combining local reporting, collaborative research, crowd sourcing, data analysis and visualisation. Our mission is to deliver evidence-based reporting that’s relevant to people’s everyday lives.

Team

The network’s projects are organised by the UJN core team, which brings together expertise across data analysis, investigative journalism, design and software development.

Gaby Khazalová

Co-founder & Editorial Lead

Gaby Khazalová is an investigative journalist and one of the founders of the Urban Journalism Network. She leads international data-driven investigative projects and facilitates collaboration among local journalists. Previously, she has worked for ten years for the Czech independent outlet Daily Referendum, as a reporter and editor.

Hendrik Lehmann

Co-founder & Data journalism Lead

Hendrik Lehmann specializes in data journalism, visualisation, user experience and innovative research methods. He ensures complex data stories are easy to use for readers, bridging the gap between raw data and human stories through interactive visualizations. He has co-founded the UJN. From 2019-2025 he built up the Tagesspiegel Innovation Lab in Berlin. Since 2025 he serves as the Head of Editorial development of DIE ZEIT.

David Meidinger

Co-founder & Tech Lead

David Meidinger is the Tech development Lead at Urban Journalism Network. With a background in full-stack engineering and data visualization, they build the tools that power our investigations across borders, and bring innovative ways of presenting the outcomes to the readers. They served as tech lead of the award-winning Tagesspiegel Innovation Lab.

Bene Brandhofer

Design Lead

Bene Brandhofer is responsible for the visual identity of the network and its projects. His work focuses on clean, impactful design that enhances readability and visual storytelling, creating a cohesive aesthetic across all our publications.

Jo Frank

Project management & Fundraising

Jo Frank heads the operational side of our organisation, bringing proven expertise in founding and scaling European NGOs and civil society initiatives. He is responsible for securing the resources needed to sustain independent, cross-border journalism. He brings years of experience in non-profit management, donor relations, and strategic planning.