Deadline: December 15, 2020
Applications are invited for the EJN Story Grants on Renewable Energy in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu 2020. EJN is offering grants to boost reporting on renewable energy in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, with a focus on prospects, problems and roadmaps.
The grants will support the production of in-depth stories on the subject, with the aim of improving access to quality information and raising awareness among policymakers, project developers, investors and observers.
Overview
Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu are among the leading states for the development of solar and wind energy in India. The economic slowdown – significantly worsened by the Covid-19 pandemic – has impacted the rollout of renewable energy (RE) projects in both states. Problems over project financing, payment and evacuation infrastructure have added to the worries of RE developers. Still, the long-term prospects remain bright.
They are looking for in-depth stories focused on policy, financing, payment and infrastructure hurdles as they relate to renewable energy and how to overcome them.
Grant
- EJN expects to award grants averaging Rs 90,000 each, depending on the proposal and method of coverage, with some flexibility for in-depth and data-driven stories using innovative and investigative approaches that may be more costly to produce.
Eligibility
- Open to India-based journalists (online, print, television, radio) and other expert media practitioners with a demonstrated interest in reporting on the RE sector.
- They shall give preference to journalists who regularly cover economy, business and energy beats. They shall also give preference to journalists who are based in Maharashtra or Tamil Nadu.
- In an effort to ensure equal opportunities and a diversity of voices, they especially encourage applications from women, young journalists and journalists from indigenous communities.
- They are seeking applications from freelancers and staff from all types of media outlets – international, national, local and community-based.
- Those who are awarded grants should publish or broadcast their stories in their affiliated media as long as EJN and its partner outlets are also given rights to edit, publish, broadcast and distribute the grantees’ stories freely.
- Freelance reporters should demonstrate a plan for publication or broadcast and are encouraged to provide a letter of interest from an editor.
Judging Criteria
Applicants should consider the following points when devising their story proposals:
- Relevance: Does the proposal meet the criteria and objectives of this call? Why does this story matter and to whom? Is the main idea, context and overall value to the target audience clearly defined?
- Angle: If the story has been covered by mainstream media, does your proposal bring new insights into the topic or offer a fresh angle?
- Impact: Does the proposal have a compelling narrative or investigative element that will inform and engage, draw attention, trigger debate and urge action?
- Innovative storytelling: The use of creative approaches, multimedia and data visualization will be considered a plus.
Application
If you have an existing account with EJN, you’ll need to log in. If not, you must register for an account by clicking here.
For more information, visit EJN Story Grants.
