Text and Video Reports on Renewable Energy in India

The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) invites communicators and social media content creators in India to produce in-depth reporting on the country’s transition to renewable energy. Selected applicants receive financial support and editorial mentorship to create rigorous text, video, multimedia, or social media content that highlights progress, challenges, and community-driven solutions. The initiative prioritizes inclusive participation, especially from women, young journalists, indigenous, marginalized, and differently-abled communicators.

Program Overview

EJN’s initiative aims to strengthen renewable energy reporting in India by supporting content that informs public debate, policy engagement, and community empowerment. The program emphasizes the production of credible, objective, and impactful journalism covering areas such as energy generation, transmission, finance, decentralization, and local solutions.

Objectives

• Assess India’s progress and challenges in clean energy transition

• Highlight scalable and community-focused solutions

• Encourage inclusive storytelling reflecting diverse voices and perspectives

• Produce content suitable for publication across multiple media formats

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants: Freelancers or staff journalists, communicators, and social media content creators in India

• Location Preference: Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh

• Content Types:

  • Communicators: 1 in-depth report or a series of reports (text, video, or multimedia)

  • Social media creators: At least 5 short-form content pieces

• Languages: English, Hindi, Marathi, Odiya, Telugu (English translations required for non-English reports)

• Special Consideration: Women, youth, indigenous people, marginalized groups, and differently-abled individuals

• Content Standards: Objective, analytical, inclusive of diverse stakeholder perspectives; no self-promotion, PR, or uncritical reporting

Disqualifications

• Plagiarism or unethical conduct

• AI-generated content submitted as original work

• Advocacy-only or uncritical stories without rigorous analysis

Funding Details

• Text/Multimedia Stories: Up to Rs 1 lakh per project

• Video Stories or Joint Projects: Up to Rs 3 lakh

• Budget Guidelines:

  • Cover travel, accommodation, translation, and data visualization

  • Equipment expenses capped at 10% of total budget

  • Freelancers may request up to 30% of the budget for time

Application Requirements

• Lead Applicant: Submits the application and manages communication and funds for joint projects

• Letter of Support: Communicators must include editor confirmation of publication commitment

• Budget: Detailed and justified

• Content Rights: EJN and partners may edit, publish, and distribute the output

• Acknowledgment: Include required tagline crediting Internews’ Earth Journalism Network

Submission Timeline

• Application Deadline: Mid-May 2026 (selections announced thereafter)

• Content Publication: By October 31, 2026

Reporting & Publication

• Reports must include diverse stakeholder perspectives, including communities, scientists, policy experts, and industry representatives

• Stories can be produced in local languages but must include English translations if applicable

• Selected fellows must allow EJN to edit, publish, and distribute content

Tips for Strong Applications

• Clearly outline project objectives, methodology, and community impact

• Provide realistic budgets with justifications

• Highlight prior experience reporting on energy, technology, or community issues

• Demonstrate ability to reach and engage a large audience, particularly for social media content

• Include editorial support or mentorship plan where applicable

Expected Outcomes

• Increased public awareness and informed dialogue on India’s renewable energy transition

• Enhanced journalistic capacity for renewable energy reporting

• Community-focused stories showcasing scalable and actionable solutions

• Stronger inclusion of underrepresented voices in energy journalism

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who can apply?
Freelancers, staff communicators, and social media content creators based in India.

2. How much funding is available?
Text/multimedia projects: up to Rs 1 lakh; video/joint projects: up to Rs 3 lakh.

3. What types of content are eligible?
In-depth reports, multimedia content, and short-form social media content that is objective and inclusive.

4. Are joint applications allowed?
Yes, but one lead applicant must submit and manage the grant.

5. What is the deadline for publishing content?
All funded content must be published by October 31, 2026.

6. Can equipment or freelancer fees be included in the budget?
Yes, but equipment expenses cannot exceed 10% of the budget; freelancer fees are capped at 30% of the total budget.

7. What languages are accepted for submission?
English, Hindi, Marathi, Odiya, or Telugu. English translation must accompany non-English content.

Conclusion

This EJN program empowers communicators and social media creators to produce high-quality, impactful content on India’s renewable energy transition. By supporting rigorous reporting, mentorship, and inclusive storytelling, the initiative fosters informed public discourse, community engagement, and policy awareness, strengthening the role of journalism in advancing sustainable energy solutions.