Application Deadline:Sunday, December 15, 2019 at 11:59 p.m. EST.
The Michael Elliott Award for Excellence in African Storytelling, a collaboration between the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ), the ONE Campaign, and the Elliott family, honors an up-and-coming journalist in Africa who strives to strengthen people’s voices and illuminate the transformational change taking place on the continent. We are seeking a wide variety of topics, not limited to health and social issues, to demonstrate the creative approaches to pressing issues in Africa.
The Award was established in honor of Michael Elliott, an outstanding editor, philanthropist, and former ICFJ director, whose life was a testament to the power of storytelling to bear witness to and improve the human condition. Elliott served as a distinguished editor at The Economist, Newsweek and Time before becoming CEO of ONE. In 2016, he had spoken of his dream to establish an award that would bring together his belief in great journalism with his commitment to progress in Africa.
Eligibility
- The contest is open to English-speaking journalists working in Africa for print, broadcast and online news media. Applicants must have no more than 10 years of journalism experience.
- Applicants must submit one published piece that uses top-notch reporting to capture stories of modern Africa. The submission can be a feature story; an in-depth, investigative or explanatory piece; or a multimedia report or documentary.
- A copy of the published story or broadcast clip must be submitted in English. Works in other languages must include English translations.
- The submitted story must have been published between Dec. 1, 2018, and Dec. 1, 2019.
A distinguished international jury selects the winner.
Benefits:
This award, given in Michael’s name, will provide the winner a $5,000 cash prize to pursue an in-depth reporting project. In a special study tour organized by ICFJ, the winner will visit U.S. newsrooms and meet with journalism and subject matter experts to learn new skills and share knowledge.
The winner will also complete a two-week internship at The Economist in London, United Kingdom. In order to take full advantage of the study tour and the internship, applicants must speak English, even if they work in another language.
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