Call for Investigative Story Pitches on Climate Change

Call Number: 012/2024 (FNF)

The Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe (VMCZ) is inviting journalists (from print and broadcast media) and documentary filmmakers to pitch story ideas on climate change. All articles should influence the government, stakeholders and the general citizenry towards climate action. The call for investigative story pitches is part of VMCZ’s objective of strengthening watchdog journalism and media reporting for accountability on climate change and environmental issues. An investigation that will break new ground and result in a series of stories will be highly considered for funding.

Expectations- Selected journalists are expected to publish:

• 1 (one)- in-depth investigative story with thorough investigations on climate change
• A minimum of 2 (two)- follow-up story to the in-depth investigative story.
• Demonstration of the impact that resulted from the published articles/broadcasts (ie readership/listenership/viewership stats; and response from government, communities, corporations or other entities

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:

• Why should readers care about this story? 
• Why should we publish this now?
• How does the story build on what is already been covered?
• Is the story likely to get traction or impact?

Number of Required In-depth Investigative Stories: THREE ie ONE with a provided mentor and TWO or more on your own.

Each successful pitch will be supported with small stipend to cover direct costs that shall be incurred by the newsroom/ journalist/s in the production of the investigative story.  The costs are limited to courier services, transportation, communication, lodging among other surface costs.

Deadline: Due date for submission of this application is COB Wednesday 9 May 2024 at 1600hrs. 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.