Deadline: 30-Apr-21
The U.S. mission to India is pleased to announce applications for the Future of Journalism: How Immersive Technology and Artificial Intelligence Can Shape the News and Impact Audience Opinion.
This funding opportunity seeks to train and equip, through a series of virtual and in-person sessions, a group of 70-80 journalists, media professionals, social media influencers, and storytellers from around India (30 from East and Northeast India, and the rest from other parts of India) on the latest techniques, usage, and production of AR and VR in the media industry.
The participants will learn from U.S. experts and organizations how AR is already improving productivity in media companies, enabling journalists to maximize resources to credibly counter all forms of mis/disinformation. The participants will learn how AR and VR solve a legitimate problem of the present media world: how to present complex information in a way that is comprehensible, interactive, and engaging.
The United States and India have a shared opportunity to combat the scourge of fake news and disinformation for a secure Indo-Pacific region by promoting a robust and responsible media environment. This includes promoting strong professionalism among journalists, improving digital literacy among the general public, and modernizing news outlets with immersive technologies to compete in the digital world.
Taken together, these steps would strengthen quality discourse and weaken the environment that has propelled disinformation in India and around the globe. The importance of partnerships is vital in the fight against fake news and disinformation, and the U.S. and India are already working together to promote a secure Indo-Pacific.
A more professional and technically savvy media presence in East and Northeast India, using the latest technologies, will allow journalists to effectively report on issues of key importance to both countries, furthering the U.S.-India partnership.
Project Objectives
- Train 70-80 journalists, media professionals, storytellers on AR and VR technology and build their skills in creating immersive content within a span of 12-18 months.
- Generate immersive AR and VR content on themes of shared U.S.-India interest such as the environment, human trafficking, gender issues, religious freedom, press freedom, and cross-border security.
- Counter mis/disinformation from malign influencers with accurate and immersive media products and through networks of professional digital journalists across the region.
Funding Information
- Estimated Total Project Funding: USD 150,000;
- Estimated Award Ceiling (Maximum): USD 150,000;
- Estimated Award Floor (Minimum): USD 80,000;
- Length of Project Period: 12 to 18 months.
Eligibility Criteria
The following organizations are eligible to apply:
- Not-for-profit organizations;
- Civil society/non-governmental organizations;
- Think tanks;
- Public and private educational institutions;
- Individuals;
- Public International Organizations and Governmental institutions.
For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=331827