National media awards programme 2016

The National Foundation for India (NFI) Media Awards is for young, mid-career journalists. The award allows them to take time off from their routine beats to research and publisharticles/photo essays on issues concerning the less   privileged, that need to be high on our society’s agenda, but do not find mention inthe mainstream media for a variety of reasons.

The awards support the pursuit of in-depth, creative field research onthese concerns and writing about them with adequate evidence – quali- tative and quantitative – in an effort to influence public policy and thedomain of social consciousness.

THEME/ISSUES

A wide range of issues of importance to ordinary Indians, their battle for a better life and development related issues including Community Health, Education, Social Protection, Livelihood Security, Adolescent Health, Child Health and Survival, Urban Poverty, Peace & Justice, Role of Youth in Development, Labour Trafficking and Bonded Labour, and Social Justice Philanthropy.

 

DURATION

One year-2016.

 

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The awards are open to journalists  working  in  any  of  the  regional and national dailies and associated media. Freelancers frequently contributing to the press are encouraged to apply.

•          Early to mid-career status, with 5-7 years of professional experience. Upper age limit is 40 years.
  
  
•          The candidates should have a demonstrated commitment to a career in journalism and should have covered the issue in the past.

 

•         This award cannot be held simultaneously with any other awards or a similar scheme of financial assistance.

 

APPLICATION GUIDELINES

Applications for the Award Programme can be submitted in English or in any other Indian language. Applicants must include the following in their submissions:

 

•             A brief curriculum vita with details of work experience, educational qualifications and awards and fellowships held in the past three years.
  
  
•            A proposal of approximately 1000 words, which will outline the particular thematic area in which the applicant would like to work.

 This  should  include  details  regarding  the  specific    geographical location of the study, methodology, the relevance of the theme selected as well as the contribution it can make to the larger development debate in the country. Please also specify the language of communication.

 

• In addition to the written proposal as outlined above, photojournalists must submit 10-15 images (minimum print size: 8inch x 10 inch) directly relating to the project for which the grant is being sought. These images must be of high photographic standard conveying the applicants grasp of using the language of photography. Applicants should also submit a portfolio of their selected work. All photographs will be returned to applicants.
  
  
• Clippings of 5 articles (print journalists) or five published photographs (photojournalists) must be sent along with the application. Three recent and two other articles of applicant’s  choice.
  
  
•             Articles/photographs must have a byline

 

•            Two references with address and phone/fax numbers. Letter from editor, approving the candidate’s application

 

•              Freelance journalists should include two letters of recommendation from editors or media personalities familiar with their work.
  
  
• All applications must be typed. Handwritten and incomplete applications will not be considered.
  
  
  GENERAL
  
  

•   The value of each award, inclusive of honorarium, travel and contingency grant is Rs. 1,25,000.

•    The selected print journalist awardees will be expected to publish at least ten articles or reasonable number of photographs (in case of photojournalists) on the chosen subject during the period. Out of these at least three would be in-depth research articles/photo essay

 

•            At the end of the awards period, the photojournalists will be expected to mount an exhibition of her/his works. The Foundation will meet an additional cost for mounting an exhibition for the  photojournalist.

 

•              The Foundation has the right to use and/or reproduce wholly or partially the articles/photographs, arising out of the Award Programme, in any of its publications, without any additional payment.

 

•            The support provided by the National Foundation for India Media Awards Programme should be suitably acknowledged in all the articles/photos.

 

•            The Foundation will facilitate wider publication/syndication of the articles/photo essays and assist in translation of those in regional language for wider dissemination.

 

         

THE APPLICATIONS MUST REACH NfI NO LATER THAN DECEMBER 30, 2015

 The Foundation will be happy to give you more information about its activities as well as the Media Award Programme.