Call Number: 004/2022 (CFLI)
The Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe (VMCZ) is inviting journalists and documentary filmmakers to pitch story ideas on investigative journalism (IJ) unravelling issues affecting the minority groups such as homophobia, child abuse and violence against women. The targeted minority groups under this call are women, children and LGBTIQ2 communities.
This call for investigative story pitches on minority rights reporting is part of VMCZ’s objective of capacitating the media with sensitive reporting skills on covering minority groups, with special focus on LGBTQI community, Women’s and Children’s Rights, thereby creating a national tolerance through narrowing the gap of media coverage on minority rights and equip journalists and the public with knowledge and skills to help integrate minority groups into the social sphere.
The thrust of this call is to ensure that the media brings to the fore the challenges the different minority groups face so as to shape public perception on the minority groups and help strengthen respect for the human rights of minority groups.
Selection Criteria: Grants will be offered to journalists with the strongest applications. Applications will be judged on the quality of the story pitch, the applicant’s journalism skills as indicated by their work samples, and evidence of support from the applicant’s editor.
Pitches and investigative story ideas that will be supported should positively answer the following:
- Is this an underreported issue of local concern?
- Is the story breaking new ground?
- Is the story likely to get traction or impact?
- Is the reporter/outlet best positioned to tell the story?
Number of Required In-depth Investigative Stories: THREE ie ONE with a provided mentor and TWO on your own.
Each successful pitch will be supported with a ceiling payment in the amount of US $600. The support shall cover direct costs that shall be incurred by the journalists in the field on the production of investigative journalism stories that are limited to courier services, transportation, communication, and lodging among other surface costs.
Deadline: Due date for submission of this application is COB Thursday, 10 November 2022. All applications should be submitted to: mediacomplaints@gmail.com and copied to programmes@vmcz.co.zw and director@vmcz.co.zw
Attachments: Please submit the completed application form with a signed acknowledgment note from an editor as a guarantee that your story will be published after a successful application process and production. Freelance journalists can make their applications directly.
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