Call Number: 001/2025
The Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe (VMCZ) invites journalists (from print and broadcast media) and documentary filmmakers across Zimbabwe to pitch story ideas focused on climate change. We are looking for strong, creative story ideas that explore climate-related themes through investigative, human-interest, explanatory, or data-driven reporting. The call for investigative story pitches is part of VMCZ’s objective of strengthening watchdog journalism and media reporting for accountability on climate change issues. An investigation that will break new ground and result in a series of stories will be highly considered for funding.
What to pitch
We are interested in pitches that tackle:
a. Local impacts of climate change on communities, agriculture, or livelihoods
b. Government responses and climate policy
c. Indigenous knowledge and local adaptation strategies
d. Gender, youth, and marginalized groups in climate narratives
e. Stories revealing gaps in climate resilience, preparedness, or response
f. Innovative climate solutions or sustainable practices
Expectations
Selected journalists are expected to publish:
(i) 1 (one)- in-depth investigative story with thorough investigations on climate change
(ii) A follow-up story to the in-depth investigative story.
(iii) Demonstration of the impact that would result from theirpublished articles/broadcasts (iereadership/listenership/viewership stats; and response from government, communities, corporations or other entities)
Selection Criteria:
Grants will be offered to journalists with the strongest applications. 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?
Who should apply
1. Journalists working in Zimbabwe
2. VMCZ subscribed members are urged to apply
3. Journalists who can conduct their investigations within six weeks
4. Journalists aged 35years and below are encouraged to apply
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 Wednesday 7 May 2025 at 0900hrs. 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. Download Form here
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iEHcGxW70l20dqdknnBWVIoWCPLs3b3-YeIVrsSi6ag/edit?usp=sharing
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