Deadline: June 14, 2021
Applications are open for the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Transatlantic Media Fellowship 2021. The Transatlantic Media Fellowship program supports well-researched transatlantic journalism.
As in previous years, the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Washington, DC, will give a select number of journalists from the United States, Canada, and Germany the opportunity for on-the-ground reporting relevant to the foundation’s work on climate & energy policy, democracy & social policy, or technology & digital policy. They will not be able to offer a specific fellowship in the field of foreign and security policy this year, but plan to include this area again in 2022.
Issue Areas
- Climate & Energy Policy: Applicants in this category should pitch stories on climate and energy policy/issues in the United States, Canada, or in EU member states. Possible topics include:
- The Green New Deal / The European Green Deal
- Green stimulus packages
- Phase-out of fossil fuels and nuclear power
- Transformation towards renewable energy
- Sustainable transportation
- Environmental justice
- Methane emissions
- Climate change litigation
- Democracy & Social Policy: Applicants in this category should pitch stories on challenges to democracy in the United States, Canada or in EU member states. Possible topics include:
- The upcoming German federal election in September 2021
- Challenges to democracy, such as radicalization and anti-democratic movements
- Migration (climate-induced migration is of particular interest)
- LGBTQ, gender equality and racial justice
- Debates on colonialism and historical reconciliation (Vergangenheitsaufarbeitung)
- US society and transatlantic relations in a post-Trump era
- Social, democratic and economic reforms under the Biden administration
- Technology & Digital Policy: Applicants in this category should pitch stories on technology and digital policy in North America (United States and/or Canada) or in EU member states. Possible topics include:
- EU, US or transatlantic digital governance debates (e.g. platform regulation, privacy, data flows)
- Debates on disinformation and misinformation online
- EU, US or transatlantic debates over digital innovation and competition with China
- Digital technologies and sustainability
- Public interest technology and open data
- Ethical debates about the use of data and digital technologies
Benefits
- A stipend of $3,500 for an on-the-ground fellowship (including transatlantic travel); OR
- A stipend of $1,500 for a digital fellowship (virtual interviews, no travel)
Eligibility
They seek journalists with a strong track record of publications who offer new perspectives on transatlantic policy debates. Fellowships are open to journalists in any medium.
Applicants should be:
- based in the United States or Canada and demonstrate a strong motivation for engaging in research and reporting about Europe; OR
- based in Germany and demonstrate a strong motivation for engaging in research and reporting about the United States or Canada
They will give special consideration to journalists
- from regional or local media outlets.
- from diverse backgrounds who can offer lesser-heard perspectives.
- who may not otherwise have the opportunity to conduct transatlantic research.
Application
Applications should consist of:
- Resume: Please use a standard US format (no picture, date of birth, religion or marital status).
- Cover letter: A one-page document outlining your motivation, qualifications, and experience.
- Proposal: Please include the following three sections:
- Story proposals: Please include a short description of the stories you plan to cover (about 200 words each), and whom you plan to contact for interviews.
- Publication plan: Specify your plan for publication (language and target publication).
- Social media: Briefly explain how you plan to engage with the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Washington, DC in the course of your fellowship.
- Work samples: Please submit two work samples. If your previous work is not in English, German, Spanish, or French, please provide a brief summary of each of your work samples.
For more information, visit Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung.
