Journalists and media professionals with an interest in reporting on issues in the developing world are invited to apply for funding under the winter 2015 round of the Simon Cumbers Media Fund.
The Fund is designed to facilitate more and better quality media coverage of development issues in the Irish media. It was set up by Irish Aid, the Government’s programme for overseas development, in memory of Irish journalist Simon Cumbers, who was killed in Saudi Arabia in 2004 while on assignment.
Applications from all media disciplines are encouraged, and in particular from journalists wishing to report on the modern reality of life in developing countries, including the areas of business, innovation, education, health, climate change, human rights, and entrepreneurship.
Minister for Development, Trade Promotion, and North South Co-operation, Sean Sherlock, TD, said: “When exploring development issues it can be all too easy to focus on the negatives. We are encouraging journalists to submit proposals which reflect the modern reality of life in these countries and challenge the assumptions often portrayed, so that the Irish public can better understand the very significant progress which is being made, as well as the challenges facing communities in those countries.”
He added: “As world leaders prepare for the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals at the UN Summit this September, it is vital that we continue to build on the momentum of working towards a more sustainable, prosperous and peaceful future for all the world’s citizens – and the media, through the Simon Cumbers Media Fund, plays a key role in this.
“The stories produced will foster greater understanding of international development, including the work of Irish Aid, the Government’s programme for overseas development.”
Photographers are also invited to apply to the winter 2015 round for funding to present a photographic exhibition. Judges will assess applications against criteria such as the reach of the exhibition and its potential to further raise understanding of development issues among Irish audiences.
The deadline for the receipt of submissions to the winter 2015 round is Friday, 30 October at 5pm.
Applications should be sent by email to: info@simoncumbersmediafund.ie.
Full details of the guidelines, application process and background to the Simon Cumbers Media Fund are available on www.simoncumbersmediafund.ie.