Deadline: September 29, 2019.

From the European Parliament elections to Brexit to the CumEx-Files: all signs point to the continued significance of crossborder journalism to make sense of complex transnational issues. If you are a reporter who wants to dig deeper and collaborate with others to cover relevant European stories that don’t stop at borders – then Reporters in the Field is your journalism grant.

 

ELIGIBILITY

• International teams with professional freelance or staff journalists who work for established media outlets (no matter if print, photo, broadcast, web, or cross-media) are eligible. No age limit applies.
• The grant can only be transferred to individuals, not to NGOs, companies or media outlets. Please be aware that the grant is subject to the taxation laws of your country.
• Your team and story must be based mostly in at least two of the following countries:
  Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine and United Kingdom.

 

SELECTION CRITERIA

The following questions are part of our guidelines for the jury. They advise to have a look at them before you apply:

1. Feasibility – Research & Publication
   How likely is it that you complete the story as planned? How will you find the right protagonists and sources? Could there be any foreseen problems? How will you achieve to publish for a broader audience?
2. Relevance
   How does the story contribute to crucial current questions – in all of the countries where it is set? Does it fulfill a watchdog function? Will it illustrate relevant topics? Is there a reason why it needs to be done now?All forms (investigative, portrait, documentary, …) are given the same chance to be funded.
3. Cross-border effects
   Why is this a true crossborder story? Does it have a European perspective? Reach an international audience? Ideally, each part of the research adds different components, information and perspectives. If you compare two or more countries: what makes this comparison organic?
4. Originality
   Do you feel the story covers an underreported topic? Will it surprise the audience and offer facts they didn’t know yet? Does it include new technical research possibilities or unusual protagonists?
5. Team structure
   Show that your team is capable to do this story! Do you have the local expertise needed? Did you already work together? Is every relevant task covered? Do you feel that everybody’s role is clear and feasible?

 

BENEFITS

1. This is your chance to apply for up to 8,000€ in research grants per team for a story of your choice.

2. Receive training and feedback from experts.

3. Become part of a pan-European network of crossborder practitioners.

 

APPLICATION

• Team up and find a topic that works for crossborder journalism and is of relevance in Europe. Your story and team should be based in at least two different program countries. Have a look at our further selection criteria.
• Designate a team leader and submit one joint application using our online application form. Use this template to pitch your story idea and make sure to include CVs of all team members. Applications sent via e-mail or post cannot be considered.
• Save the date of the kickoff meeting in Berlin (mandatory): November 29 -December 1, 2019. Please only apply if at least two team members can join the meeting.

 

OFFICIAL LINK

 

Click here to apply