Deadline: 20-Feb-23
The Earth Journalism Network (EJN) is offering reporting grants to journalists in South Africa to support the production of in-depth stories on South Africa’s Road to Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions.
This grant call is part of EJN’s Pathways to Net Zero in India and South Africa project. The project aims to increase the quality and quantity of net zero-related stories in the media; and build the capacity of journalists to improve their coverage of related topics.
Story Themes
- They welcome unique story ideas that focus on:
- Socio-economic challenges and opportunities to achieving net zero,
- Sectoral plans and policies in industries like transport, electricity, automotive, fuel, mining, agriculture and manufacturing;
- Finance and capital investments, available and suitable technologies, and infrastructure;
- Areas of potential growth and development in a green economy
- Gender, and minorities most affected by potential disruption to decarbonization efforts.
Funding Information
- They expect to award five story grants with an average budget of EUR 1000.
Eligibility Criteria
- The workshop is open to journalists from South Africa.
- Self-motivated journalists interested in covering the transition to Net Zero are invited to apply. They are especially eager to hear from journalists reporting on business, finance and tech perspectives, or those closely covering the country’s emission-reduction policies.
- They welcome applications from journalists from print, television, online and/or radio, with a demonstrated track record of producing incisive, in-depth stories.
- Groups of journalists are eligible. However, the application must be made in the name of one lead applicant. Lead applicants are responsible for communicating with EJN and receiving funds on the group’s behalf, if awarded.
- For the purposes of this grant opportunity, they will only be accepting applications in English. Unfortunately, they do not have the capacity to consider applications in other languages currently. Applicants must either have a working understanding of English or have a translator available to assist with communication with Internews staff.
- EJN reserves the right to disqualify applicants from consideration if they have been found to have engaged in unethical or improper professional conduct.
Judging Criteria
- Applicants should consider the following points when devising their story proposals.
- Relevance: Does the proposal meet the criteria and objectives of the call? Why does this story matter and to whom? Is the main idea, context and overall value to the target audience clearly defined?
- Angle: If the story has been covered, does your proposal bring new insights to the topic or offer a fresh angle?
- Impact: Does the proposal have a compelling narrative or investigative element that will inform and engage, draw attention, trigger debate and spur action?
- Innovative storytelling: The use of creative approaches, multimedia and data visualization will be considered a plus.
- Plan for timely publication: Reporters, whether freelance or employed at a media outlet, will need to include a letter of support from an editor in their application, committing to publish the stories by June 2023.
For more information, visit EJN.