Thomson Reuters Foundation: Inviting Journalists for Reporting Controversies Safely Workshop

Deadline: 19 March 2017

It is the job of the journalist to report on issues that matter. But when those issues are controversial or sensitive how easy is it to report without inflaming tensions further – or even compromising your own safety? Do you give one side of the story, or all sides? Are there things you cannot cover? If you make your story “impartial”, is that just another word for “boring”? The Thomson Reuters Foundation is looking to make that job easier for journalists in Pakistan.

The Thomson Reuters Foundation is seeking applications from journalists from Pakistan for its 6 day workshop in Islamabad in May 2017 on “Reporting Controversies Safely”.

The project is aimed at journalists in Pakistan who are covering sensitive or controversial topics and who are concerned about how best to do this. It would like to work with journalists to address these issues by drawing on other journalists’ experiences as well as the Reuters principles of accuracy, integrity and freedom from bias.

This project is not only for journalists covering conflict. Every country, no matter where in the world, has issues that people either avoid altogether or discuss in a one-sided manner. The foundation wants to help journalists in Pakistan consider how to cover these stories in a way that is both informed and engaging, and that respects the views of all who are involved.

This project will feature an intensive 6 day workshop in Islamabad in May 2017 (dates TBC), covering relevant journalism skills, safety, and support with developing specific stories. After this participating journalists can apply for ongoing editorial support from a team of local and international mentors. Where possible and appropriate the foundation will help participants to pitch their stories to international outlets.

Funding Information: The foundation will cover all transport and subsistence costs of journalists participating in this programme.

Eligibility Criteria

• Journalists working for domestic media anywhere in Pakistan are eligible
• Journalists working in any medium may apply – print, radio, TV, online
• Journalists must be fluent in Urdu and have conversational or fluent English
• Journalists must have a minimum of one year’s experience. They should either be working full-time for a media organisation, or a freelancer whose main work is journalism

How to Apply

Interested applicants can apply via given website.

Eligible Country: Pakistan

For more information, please visit Thomson Reuters Foundation.