DST-SDC Media Fellowship for Reporting on Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation in the Indian Himalayan Region

Fellowship Programme:
The Indian Himalayas Climate Adaptation Programme (IHCAP), a project of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India and the Centre for Media Studies (CMS) invite environment journalists to apply for a three-month Fellowship to report in depth about climate change impacts on Himalayan communities and how they are responding and coping with the impacts. The Fellowship is open to journalists working across India in print, electronic and digital media. A total of eight fellowships will
be granted in next two years. In the first phase of the programme, four fellowships were awarded in the year 2017.

Objective:
The Fellowships are aimed at improving the quality of reporting on climate change, capturing the voices of the Himalayan communities, increasing scientific accuracy of media reports on climate change and thereby facilitating effective communication about mountain communities vulnerable to impacts of climate change. The overall objective of the Fellowship is to facilitate a deeper understanding among journalists and enhance public awareness on issues related to climate change and sustainable mountain development.

The Fellowship:

• A total of four Fellowships will be awarded during 2018 from across the country for reporting on climate change impacts and adaptation in the Indian Himalayan Region.
• The duration of the fellowship will be for three months from May 01, 2018 to July 31, 2018.
• Fellows will be expected to undertake at least a two-week-long field visit related to the
  subjects they choose.
• The value of the Fellowship, inclusive of honorarium, research, insurance, and contingency grant is Rs. 60,000.
• Fellows will be reimbursed up to Rs. 15,000 for their travel and field work research. This is subject to submission of actual bills for travel, lodging and boarding, in original.
• Best story/stories emerging from the fellowships will be awarded at CMS VATAVARAN Film

Fellows Engagement:

• Fellows will be expected to write a minimum of three in-depth stories during the Fellowship programme and should be published/broadcast before August 2018.
• Fellows will have to carry out field trips for at least two weeks, one week in a month in the Indian Himalayan Region.

Who can Apply?
1. Applicants should have at least five years of experience in journalism.
2. Mid-career and senior journalists from print, electronic and digital media are eligible to apply.
3. Applicants may or may not belong to the Himalayan region but should do his or her Fellowship work in the Himalayan region only.
4. The candidates should have a demonstrated commitment to career in journalism and should have covered environmental issues in the past.
5. The Fellowship is only for individuals who are Indian citizens.
6. More than one journalist from the same media house may apply.
7. Journalists working in non-English media are welcome to apply, but must indicate proficiency in English, as English is the working language of the Fellowship.
8. Freelancers are eligible to apply provided they fulfil all other conditions.

Criteria for selection of fellows:

• Story ideas and experience in covering environment issues.
• Stories for the Fellowship should be done in the Himalayan region.
• Writing/reporting skills- like in-depth stories, human interest stories, features, etc.

How to Apply:
Applicants must submit the following items to mediaapplications@cmsindia.org by March 15, 2018.
i. A 300-350 words proposal outlining story ideas and proposed plan for field visit.
ii. Updated CV (containing information on relevant work experience, designations held,
approximate number of stories published/broadcast, educational qualifications).
iii. An undertaking that, in the event of their selection, the applicant will produce a letter of support from their respective editor/competent authorities, indicating support during the Fellowship. The letter must also mention that they are on contract with an established, mainstream media outlet in India.
iv. Two recent examples of their work published in newspapers or on website or
portals/broadcast.

The subject line of your email should read: APPLICANT’s FULL NAME Application – DST-SDC MEDIA FELLOWSHIP. Applications can also be sent by post to Media Fellowship, CMS Advocacy, Centre for Media Studies, Research House, 34-B, Saket Community Centre, New Delhi 110017. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified via email.

Selection Procedure:
An independent jury will be established to review the applications. The decisions of the jury will be final and binding. Results will be announced by first week of April 2018.

One Fellowship each in 2018 is reserved for women journalists and for journalists from North-East India.

Important Dates:
Deadline for Submitting Applications March 15, 2018
Announcement of Fellowships First week of April 2018
Fellowship Duration May – July 2018
Publication/Broadcast of Stories Before August 2018
Festival 2019.

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