InfoChange Media Fellowships 2008

InfoChange invites applications for its Media Fellowships 2008 to be awarded to journalists and researchers reporting on a topic related to social justice/sustainable development in India.

InfoChange managed by the Centre for Communication and Development Studies, covers a diverse range of issues in the social sector – from environment, poverty, livelihoods, public health, women and child rights, social exclusion, migration, gender, globalisation, trade and development.

The final output must combine research and reportage with background, perspective, analysis and, when appropriate, views and information from experts.

The fellowship must result in any one of the following outputs:

• A series of five or more original articles (preferably with photographic documentation) on the proposed subject of research, totalling 7,500 words or more
• A series of three or more short audio reports – not exceeding 10 minutes duration each – on the proposed subject of research
  
• One documentary film (of 10-22 minutes duration) or a series of shorts (of broadcast quality, submitted in AVI or MPEG formats) on the proposed subject of research

All content may be submitted for publication/dissemination elsewhere one month after upload on the InfoChange site, provided due credit is given to CCDS and InfoChange where the material first appeared respectively.

Films and audio stories produced as part of the fellowship must likewise carry the required credits to CCDS and InfoChange.

Duration

The fellowships will be announced by end of October. Fellows are expected to begin work by the first week of November 2008 and complete it by the first week of January 2009.

All outputs are required to reach InfoChange by January 5, 2009.

Eligibility

The fellowship is open to independent journalists and researchers living in India only. Working journalists may also apply, provided their organisations endorse their application and allow them time off for this fellowship If selected.

Last date for submission of applications is October 3, 2008.

Funding support

The fellowships carry a grant amount of Rs 50,000 (subject to TDS as applicable). 50% of this amount will be disbursed on selection, to fund travel and research expenses. The balance will be released on successful completion of the project, submission and acceptance of stories/films.

Application procedure

All applications must be accompanied by:

• A detailed proposal (not exceeding 1,000 words) clearly stating the subject to be researched, the applicant’s perspective on this subject, and expected output in terms of X number of articles etc.
• Travel likely to be undertaken for the research, with an estimated budget.
• CV of the applicant.
• Three samples of published work by applicants from the print media. At least one sample of broadcast/telecast work on CD by applicants from the electronic media. If any of these are in regional languages, they must be accompanied by a summary of their contents in English.
• Working journalists submitting applications must enclose a letter from their editor stating that they endorse the application and will allow the fellow time off for the research if selected.
• One letter of recommendation from a writer/editor/academician or other appropriate referee endorsing the applicant’s interest/expertise in the chosen subject of research and the candidate’s ability to successfully complete the project.

Infochangeindia Media Fellowships
Centre for Communication and Development Studies (CCDS)
301, Kanchanjunga Building, Kanchan Gully
Off Law College Road,
Pune 411 004
Tel: 020-26852845/30222156