African Media Initiative, has unfolded a new$1 million naira grant giving programme, the African Story Challenge, aimed at encouraging innovative, multi-media storytelling and reporting of issues that improve health and prosperity for Africans.
According to AMI, which is undertaking the project in partnership with the International Center for Journalism, ICFJ, the goal of the contest is “to contribute to the building of a strong media sector able to deliver content that matters to the African public”.
The project is also aimed at inspiring“a bold form of journalism that seeks solutions and uses innovative, digital and data-driven storytelling tools and techniques to hold leaders accountable and increase transparency in government.
Applicants are required to focus on five thematic areas – Agriculture and Food Security, Diseases: Prevention and Treatment, My Africa 2063, Maternal and Child Health and Business and Technology.
The competition is open to all journalists in Africa, including African journalists outside the continent , as long as they have outlets that are accessible to African audiences, and entries are allowed in English, French Arabic and Portuguese.
However, all proposal itself will only be accepted in English.
Journalists who apply, including freelancers are expected to have at least an outlet for their work such print, tv, radio or Internet and applicants can apply as a team though there can be only one entry per individual or team.
Deadlines for applying is according to the thematic areas ranging from May 5, 2013 to May 23, 2014. Applications will be accepted only through the contest’s website. For more information click here