The Summer School is organised by the Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom (CMPF) at the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies of the
Reporting Taboos
This small programme is targeted at journalists working for domestic media in developing countries, or countries in political transition, where certain topics of importance or rarely, if ever, discussed.
Participants will be asked to submit and develop story ideas which will be the focus of the programme. There will be an intensive workshop in London during which the participating journalists will develop and refine their story ideas and pitch them to the Thomson Reuters Foundation’s award-winning editorial team.
Perhaps you would like to shine a light on cultural practices such as Female Genital Mutilation. Or children being branded as witches by unscrupulous Pastors seeking money from the parents for "exorcisms". Or maybe there's a gay community who want safety and recognition. Or there's a transvestite or transsexual scene which has to hide in the shadows. Nothing is off-limits - we at TRF are here to give you the tools to tackle issues at the margins of our societies.
Go on, show us you aren't afraid to take on the stories that other journalists won't touch.
The workshop will cover topics including story conception and planning; interviewing techniques; finding multiple sources to speak about sensitive issues; and more. After the workshop journalists will receive editorial guidance and mentoring support to help them research, report and produce their stories.
The workshop will take place in London, UK and travel and subsistence costs will be covered.
ELIGIBILITYBack to top
Journalists working for domestic media in a developing country or country in political transition
Motivation to report on sensitive issues in an impartial way
Journalists working in any medium may apply – print, radio, TV, online
Journalists must be fluent in English and must have a minimum of one year's experience and working full-time for a media organisation (freelancers are eligible)
When you apply you will be asked to provide a letter showing that your editor consents to your participation in the programme and that they are willing to publish/broadcast your work.
HOW TO APPLYBack to top
You can apply using the application form below. You will be asked to upload:
2 work samples (maximum file size 5 MB)
A letter from your editor consenting to your participation in the programme and committing to publish/broadcast resulting stories
You will also be asked to provide a story idea. This must concern a topic that is rarely reported on in your country.