The goal of EJN’s Asia-Pacific project is to enhance the coverage of diverse One Health topics, both in terms of quality and quantity. By increasing public awareness, audiences will be empowered to advocate for policymakers to address the interconnectedness of health, climate, and environment through One Health measures.
Supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), EJN is thrilled to offer a maximum of 12 story grants to journalists who are selected. Apart from receiving financial assistance, these chosen journalists will also benefit from the guidance and support of experienced mentors throughout the process of producing their stories.
Story Theme
Journalists can explore a variety of topics related to the impacts on human, animal, and environmental health. These topics include but are not limited to:
- The impacts resulting from climate change and the loss of biodiversity
- The transmission and expansion of diseases can be transferred between animals and humans, as well as those carried by vectors such as mosquitoes or ticks.
- The presence and effects of harmful algal blooms (HABs), the pollution resulting from heavy metals and its repercussions, as well as the emerging concern of antimicrobial resistance, are all significant topics that require attention.
- Foodborne illnesses and their implications
- The detrimental effects of air pollution
- The presence and effects of microplastics and persistent organic pollutants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) used as pesticides.
Eligibility Criteria
- EJN is accepting applications from journalists residing in Southeast Asia, South Asia, East Asia, and the Pacific Islands. However, applications from Australia, New Zealand, Central Asia, and the Middle East will not be accepted. Priority will be given to journalists from low- and middle-income countries in these regions.
- Journalists can apply as a group, and collaborations that involve journalists from different countries are highly encouraged. However, the application must be submitted by one lead applicant who will handle communication with EJN and manage funds if awarded.
- All applications must be submitted in English. Unfortunately, Applications in other languages cannot be considered at this time. Applicants should have a good understanding of English or have access to a translator to communicate with Internews staff.
- Journalists working in any medium (online, print, television, radio) and other media professionals with experience in reporting can apply. Both early-career journalists and experienced reporters who have covered health, climate, and environmental issues are encouraged to apply. Freelance reporters and staff from various types of media organizations (international, national, local, and community-based) are welcome to apply.
- EJN reserves the right to disqualify applicants if they have been involved in unethical or improper professional conduct.
Judging criteria
Applicants should take into consideration the following factors when developing their story proposals:
- Relevance: Does the proposal align with the criteria and objectives of the call? Why is this story significant, and who is the intended audience for it? Is the main idea clearly explained, put into context, and relevant to the intended audience?
- Angle: If the topic has already been covered, does your proposal bring fresh insights or a new perspective to the subject matter?
- Reach: Does the proposed media outlet have a wide audience? Journalists who publish their work in outlets with restricted access (e.g., paywalls) are encouraged to secure commitments from additional outlets or request an exception, to ensure that their EJN-supported story reaches a broader readership.
- Impact: Does the proposal offer a compelling narrative or investigative approach that will inform, engage, spark discussion, and prompt action?
- Innovative storytelling: The inclusion of creative methods, such as photographs, audio and video elements, and data visualization, will be viewed favorably.
- Plan for timely publication: Reporters, whether freelancers or employed by a media outlet, must include a letter of support from an editor in their application, confirming their commitment to publishing the stories by May 2024.
Logistics
- Up to 12 grants will be given out, with an average budget of $2000 for each grant recipient.
- Every chosen journalist will be paired with an editorial mentor and receive guidance from an expert focused on One Health.
- Grant recipients will have the opportunity to take part in a new health journalism course delivered through Whatsapp, which has been developed by Internews’ Health Journalism Network and EJN.
- Grant recipients will also be invited to join EJN’s upcoming community tailored for reporters who focus on One Health. This will provide them with chances for peer learning and sharing knowledge.
Application Procedures
- Are you interested and qualified? Then click on the ‘Apply now’ button to commence your application.
- Your application should include a detailed budget in an Excel spreadsheet, along with a justification for the amount requested. You can download the budget template by clicking on the provided link.
- A signed letter of support from your editor is required, stating that the media outlet will publish the stories produced as a result of this grant.
- You need to submit two samples of stories or links to relevant work.
- Kindly keep in mind that you will be required to upload the supporting documents during the application process, thus ensure that you have them ready beforehand. For more information on WHEN Story Grants, visit EJN Official website.
Application Deadline
December 7, 2023.
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