The Fellowship for International Development Reporting encourages journalists to push the boundaries of daily foreign coverage – which is often focused on disaster or crisis – and set new standards for reporting on the developing world. Fellowship recipients are provided with $25,000 to undertake a substantial reporting project which helps Canadians develop a greater understanding of the complex issues facing the developing world.
The Fellowship has two objectives: to encourage ambitious foreign reporting during an era of tighter news budgets; and, to foster a community of Canadian journalists who share an interest in reporting original topics from the developing world.
The Fellowship for International Development Reporting is a joint initiative of the Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ) and Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC).
he selection process is chaired by the CAJ, to ensure the highest journalistic standards are upheld. The Fellowship is administered by AKFC, and is funded by both AKFC and the Government of Canada, through Global Affairs Canada.
Applications are now open. The application deadline is September 12, 2016 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Fellowship Guidelines
Fellowship recipients will use the funding to produce a reporting project which provides information, analysis, and insight into development issues facing communities in the developing world.
Any proposed reporting project must fit within these simple parameters: the project should be about a development issue within a developing country or region.
The Fellowship is open to reporters – both freelancers and staff reporters – with at least five years of work experience as a journalist. Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of Canada. Successful applicants are expected to focus exclusively on their Fellowship project during the period outlined in their proposals, and will commit to publishing and/or broadcasting their project in a Canadian media outlet (English or French) within one year of being awarded the Fellowship.
The journalist and associated media outlet will retain complete editorial control over the Fellowship project. Published work shall remain the intellectual property of the Fellowship recipients, however AKFC and the CAJ will reserve the right to use and share completed projects (with attribution).
Fellowship alumni will be engaged to share observations about their experiences with Canadian audiences through activities such as events or seminars – for example, the CAJ’s annual conference. They will also participate in activities to engage and support other journalists interested in reporting on development issues.
Selection Process
An independent jury, chaired by the CAJ, will evaluate the applications. Committee members include individuals such as senior or retired journalists with extensive background in overseas reporting, editors, media owners, academics and journalism educators, and representatives from non-governmental organizations.
Eligibility
To become a Fellow for International Development Reporting, applicants must:
- Be a citizen or permanent resident of Canada
- Have at least five years of full-time work experience as a journalist (as a freelancer or staff)
- Have the commitment of a Canadian media outlet to publish/broadcast the proposed project in English and/or French, within one year of the applicant receiving the Fellowship
How to Apply
The application deadline is September 12, 2016 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Applicants to the Fellowship provide a package in English or French which outlines their proposed reporting project, including:
Reporting plan:
The reporting plan includes the story pitch and outlines how the research will be conducted. In no more than 750 words, applicants should describe:
- the proposed topic and angle;
- the potential impact of the story and why it is an important story to share with Canadians;
- how the research will be conducted, including basic travel plans and a timeline;
- how the project will be disseminated, including news outlet(s) and platform(s) – innovative digital media techniques, such as an interactive or multimedia component, will be considered an asset;
- how the project will be promoted through social media and other channels;
- and, why the applicant is best-qualified to undertake this project.
Budget:
A detailed budget indicating how the Fellowship funds will be used, such as travel, accommodations, local support, and equipment rentals. (Equipment purchases are not eligible.)
Applicants planning to travel to hostile regions are expected to budget for comprehensive health and accident insurance.
Applicants are permitted to use a reasonable portion of the funds as a stipend, however applicants are strongly encouraged to seek support – financially or in-kind – from the proposed news outlet for the project, in order to leverage the Fellowship funds. Any outside support to the project should be noted in the reporting plan, as well as the budget.
Letter of commitment:
The letter must come from a French- or English-language media outlet in Canada, committing to publish/broadcast and promotethe reporting project. As noted above, applicants are encouraged to seek support from the news organization beyond this commitment – such as paying the journalist’s salary while on the reporting trip, renting specialized equipment, or otherwise supporting the journalist to make the maximum impact with their project.
Resume:
A resume of no more than two pages, which clearly demonstrates the applicant’s suitability for the Fellowship.
Work samples:
Up to three work samples in any medium which demonstrate the applicant’s suitability for the Fellowship. Applicants can provide web links to their chosen work samples, and/or provide print work in PDF format. Print work should be provided in PDF format or as a web link. Broadcast or online work should only be provided as a web link (not an attachment).
Letters of reference (optional):
Up to three letters of reference recommending the applicant for the Fellowship. Letters from individuals who have supervised the applicant in a journalistic capacity are preferred.
Applications are accepted by email only. All attachments should be provided in PDF format, in English or French. Total attachment size should not exceed 10 megabytes per email.
Please email your package to rosemary@akfc.ca with “Application: Fellowship for International Development Reporting” as the subject line.
Applications are now open. The application deadline is September 12, 2016 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
http://www.akfc.ca/en/get-involved/reporting-fellowship