The International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF) is now accepting applications for its 2013 HIV/Aids Investigative Reporting Fellowship Programme, which will prepare 10 South African journalists to produce innovative coverage of the epidemic.
“Our programme is unique because it exposes journalists to HIV/AIDS story angles they never considered before,”says IWMF director of programmes, Nadine Hoffman. “The prevailing notion is that there are no new Aids stories, but this fellowship challenges that notion, proving that countless stories about the epidemic are still waiting to be told. Our fellows are telling these stories in innovative ways that have real impact.”
Selected reporters will undertake a rigorous investigative journalism fellowship – administered by frayintermedia – that focuses on developing in-depth reporting on a wide range of issues surrounding HIV/Aids. Fellows receive one-on-one coaching as well as stipends to conduct their research. In addition, fellows build a valuable network of diverse contacts, including experts who participate in training workshops and sources provided by seasoned mentors.
“2012 fellows – Zeenat Abdool (SABC Radio Channel Africa); Tanja Bencun (SABC Digital News); Bianca Capazorio (Weekend Argus); Euline Fillis (SABC FOKUS); Mukelwa Hlatshwayo (eTV); Sibongile Mashaba (Sowetan); Sipho Masombuka (The Times); Ina Skosana (The New Age); Bibi-Aisha Wadvalla (SciDev); and Nomsa Zwane (Alex FM) produced groundbreaking TV, online multimedia, print and radio investigative reports, which are featured on the IWMF’s website.
“The fellowship was the best thing that happened to me last year,” Hlatshwayo said.
Zwane called the programme “a turning point in my life.”
Twenty journalists have completed the fellowship since its inception in 2011, producing groundbreaking coverage of the epidemic for their media outlets which has had a tangible impact in their communities.
To access the application form, go to iwmf.org/2013apply. Completed applications should be emailed to nhoffman@iwmf.org. South African journalists working in the print, broadcast and Internet media, including freelancers, with three or more years of newsroom experience are eligible to apply.
Applications will be accepted until April 19, 2013, and the programme will run May 2013 – January 2014.
For more information about this fellowship, contact Nadine Hoffman (202-496-1992, nhoffman@iwmf.org) and follow @IWMF on Twitter.
The prestigious programme, made possible with support from the MAC Aids Fund, is in its third year.
