Deadline: June 18, 2023
Applications are open for the Pulitzer Center Ocean Reporting Network (ORN) 2023 for Journalists. Inspired by the model of collaborative environmental journalism created by the Pulitzer Center’s rainforest initiatives, the Ocean Reporting Network will support at least eight full-time Fellows around the world. They are especially committed to empowering diverse communities of journalists in the Global South.
The Ocean Reporting Fellows will work on individual and collaborative reporting projects to systematically probe the drivers of the degradation of the marine environment, as well as the socioeconomic impacts. They will have the support of a team of experienced editors at the Pulitzer Center, including a dedicated ocean editor, a research editor, and a data editor. They also support their Fellows on storytelling and audience engagement to help their stories reach targeted audiences and maximize impact.
Benefits
- The opportunity to work on impactful investigations that are time-consuming and costly.
- A global network of top-notch investigative reporters will aid your investigations and complement your skills.
- Access to data and documents, as well as the opportunity to sharpen your data skills with support from the Pulitzer Center’s data and research team.
- Specialized training opportunities include using satellite imagery and other digital tools in investigations, corporate and follow-the-money research, and more.
- The opportunity to work on stories that transcend your country and region and can achieve true global impact.
- A community of like-minded colleagues that will continue beyond your Fellowship.
- The possibility of renewing your Fellowship for an additional one or two years based on performance.
- Salaries commensurate with experience.
- Reporting expenses such as travel, consultants, and technology for the duration of the Fellowship.
Eligibility
- Journalists with a proven track record of environmental investigations and a solid understanding of ocean issues and the scientific, environmental, social, legal, political and commercial forces at play.
- Staff or freelance journalists working on various platforms, including print, radio, video, and multimedia. Freelance reporters must have the support of a local or international newsroom that agrees to host them and publish the work they produce during the Fellowship.
- Team players with the experience and ability to work collaboratively across newsrooms and borders.
- Reporters willing to participate in outreach activities related to their investigations, such as events at schools and universities.
Application
To apply, applicants must provide the following:
- A statement of purpose: how this Fellowship fits in your career path and why you are best positioned to be an Ocean Reporting Fellow. You may also include how collaboration with journalists from other regions can benefit your investigations or how you can assist them. (500 words)
- A project proposal describing the most ambitious ocean story you seek to pursue during your fellowship. Do not propose general themes but concrete investigative projects that aim to uncover systemic wrongdoing/abuse. By the time you apply, you are expected to have already done pre-reporting to determine the project’s scope, feasibility, and novelty. A compelling, well-researched project proposal with a reporting plan will help you stand out among hundreds of applicants. (800 words)
- Three examples (links or files) of in-depth stories you have published in the past three years.
- A plan on how to engage the communities affected by the issue of your reporting and the decision-makers that might use your reporting to improve regulation or business practices.
- A letter of support from your media employer or a newsroom that has agreed to host you as a Pulitzer Center Fellow and publish your work.
- Three professional references: candidates should submit letters of recommendation or the contacts of their references.
- A copy of your résumé or curriculum vitae.
Applications for the Fellowships are due Sunday, June 18, at 23:59 EDT (U.S. Eastern Time). Candidates shortlisted are expected to be interviewed at the beginning of July and start the 12-month Fellowship period by July 17. Applications should be sent in English. Still, work samples in other languages will be accepted.
For more information, visit Pulitzer Center.
