Course(s) Offered: Journalism
Course Level: Fellowships
Provider: John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
Country to Study in: Worldwide (key regions below)
Scholarship Description
The new Knight International Journalism Fellowships are designed to instill a culture of news innovation and experimentation worldwide. The goal is to seed new ideas and services that deepen coverage, expand news delivery and engage citizens in the editorial process.
The program is funded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. The Fellows build on past successes in the Knight program, which has a strong record of achieving impact. They work in countries where there is a good opportunity to create the news media of the future.
With additional support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Knight Fellows are empowering journalists in sub-Saharan Africa to use the latest digital tools to tell compelling stories on health and development issues.
Eligibility
Qualifications and Skills:
- Strong leadership qualities
- Fluency in the local language of the host country
- Demonstrated knowledge of project focus and experience in project medium/media
- Minimum of 10 years journalism experience
- Training experience is a plus
- Fellowship is open to any nationality
- Fellowship duration is a minimum of one year, unless otherwise specified
Knight Fellows are experienced media professionals who are selected to lead projects based on their journalism, management and language skills.
Eligible groups
Citizens of ANY country worldwide
Participating Institutions
International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) with headquarters in Washington DC, USA.
Knight International Fellows work in these key regions: Asia/Pacific, Eurasia/Former Soviet Union, Latin America, Middle East/North Africa, and Sub-Saharan African.
Fields of study
The program welcomes proposals for projects designed to produce long-term, tangible changes in journalists and journalism. For a list of Current projects AND also to Propose a project, visit the official website (link to it is below).
Number of awards
Currently two (2) fellowships, however, confirm from provider
Sponsorship duration
Usually minimum of one (1) year, unless otherwise specified for a particular project
Scholarship benefits
The Knight International Journalism Fellowships program makes lasting, visible changes that improve the quality and free flow of news in the public interest around the world.
Funded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the year-long program sends international media professionals to countries where there are opportunities to promote reliable, insightful journalism that holds officials accountable.
Fellows selected for the program attend a week-long orientation program in Washington, D.C. The orientation program takes place twice a year.
This fellowship builds the capacity of media in the host country or region. It cannot be used to fund the education or development of the fellow.
Method of Application
To apply, you need to submit a Project proposal AND a Fellowship application. All applications are done ONLINE.
Projects on ANY topic fulfilling the stated requirements (see 'Fields of study') are eligible. HOWEVER, Project proposals should answer the following questions:
- What are the project’s short-term goals? What do you expect to change while the project is underway on the level of individual journalists, media organizations and society?
- What are the project’s long-term goals? How will the project generate change in the public interest in the media and society?
- Does the project take advantage of a new opportunity such as an election or a change in law? How will the country’s legal, political and economic environment encourage or impede better journalism that can improve the way people live?
- How will the project take advantage of new technologies or new models designed to help journalists and citizens share information?
- Will the Knight Fellow play a leadership role in the project?
- What skills will the Knight Fellow need to lead the project? What languages must he or she speak?
- What other resources are needed to make the project happen? Who will provide those resources? What will you or your organization provide?
- How will success be measured?
- What will the Fellow leave behind that is sustainable beyond the Fellowship project?
It is IMPORTANT to note that when completing this application, you must apply to one of the fellowship openings or propose a fellowship. ICFJ does not accept general applications.
DEADLINES:
Applications are accepted throughout the year unless otherwise specified in specific fellowship openings. To see current openings, click here.
PLEASE NOTE:
An orientation program for new Knight International Journalism Fellows providing information about the Fellowships and training in digital media, mentoring techniques and monitoring and evaluation methods takes place twice annually.
Applicants for this fellowship are required to have three confidential letters of recommendation sent to the application committee. The letters should comment on the applicant’s journalistic, media or training qualifications as well as his/her suitability for an overseas assignment.
If you have any questions or problems with the online form, please contact Michael Zanchelli, program officer, at mzanchelli@icfj.org promptly for assistance.
Application Deadline: Rolling
Open to International students: Yes
More Scholarship Information and Application
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