Into investigative reporting?
PCIJ offers basic IR seminar

The Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) invites mid-career and senior Filipino journalists, citizen media, and bloggers to apply for a three-day training seminar-workshop on Basic Investigative Reporting.

Applicants from print, TV, radio, and online media are welcome.

A series of four three-day seminars will be conducted in Luzon, the Visayas, Mindanao, and Metro Manila from June to September 2013. Fifteen participants will be invited to each of the seminars from across media platforms, gender, province of assignment, and media organization.

Through combined onsite and field learning sessions, the seminar aims to enhance the participants’ investigative reporting skills and practice and offer a framework for analyzing media killings and safety issues in the context of governance, the culture of impunity, and the presence of political clans and private armed groups in many parts of the country.

The seminar also seeks to highlight the role of the police and the Commission on Human Rights as vital sources of journalists. The seminar will feature lecture-discussions and workshops to identify potential risks and practical safety tips when covering dangerous assignments.

A Story Development Workshop will give participants an opportunity to pitch story proposals that the PCIJ may consider for fellowship grants and editorial supervision. Experts from the academe, national media organizations, the police, human rights agencies and organizations, and data repository agencies will lead the discussions.

The seminar graduates will be accorded priority slots in the subsquent Advanced Investigative Reporting Seminars that PCIJ will conduct in 2014.

This seminar series draws support from the US-based National Endowment for Democracy (NED).

Who Can Apply? Mid-career and senior journalists with at least three years’ experience – freelance reporters, contributors, stringers, researchers, anchors, producers, editors, and news managers of print, TV, radio, and online media may apply. Citizen media and bloggers covering public policy issues are also eligible.

Funding The PCIJ will cover: Round-trip transportation from the participant’s place of work and/or residence to the seminar venue. Board and lodging during the three-day seminar. The PCIJ will also provide a modest fellowship grant for story proposals that will be approved during or immediately after the seminar.

Application Requirements Completed application form with two references (see attached). One or two samples of work discussing public policy, development, human rights, or governance issues.

Deadline for Applications Applications must be received not later than May 10, 2013, Friday.

Selection process Applicants will be selected based on the following criteria:

• Track record or experience in covering public policy issues.
• Demonstrated interest in doing in-depth reports on governance, development, and human rights issues.
• Potential for playing a key leadership role within his/her organization or media community.

Successful applicants will be notified by May 31, 2013. Only successful applicants will be contacted by the PCIJ.

Sending your application: By email: Email address: training@pcij.org

Please state ‘Application to Basic IR Seminar’ on the subject line

Note: We will acknowledge receipt of all submissions. If you do not receive any reply within three working days, please resend your application and move a follow-up email or call (02) 410-4768.

Questions? Please contact the PCIJ Training Desk at (02) 410-4768 or training@pcij.org