The Society of Editors and Journalists’ Charity are among early supporters of a new scheme to help create paid fellowships to provide journalism experience during the Covid-19 crisis.
Organised by Journo Resources, the scheme will enable future journalists who might normally have sought work placements or internships but have seen plans disrupted by the pandemic.
The scheme will see successful candidates receive mentoring and CV support as well as being paid for work.
Launching the scheme, Jem Collins, founding director and editor in chief of Journo Resources said: “We know how hard the COVID-19 crisis has hit the journalism industry as a whole. And we’ve received dozens of messages from people about to embark on their journalism career, expressing their fears about a diminished jobs market and lack of opportunities.
“During the last few months we’ve offered our support to journalists in various ways, but now we’re going one step further, by introducing the Journo Resources Fellowship. The Journo Resources Fellowship, supported by the Journalists’ Charity and The Society of Editors, is a paid scheme for those at the start of their working career.
“As a fellow you’ll get one-to-one time with various members of our editorial team to develop your ideas and skills, get access to a full suite of free tools to help develop your journalism and job hunting skills, and at least one original journalism byline to your name.
“Thanks to the support of the Journalists’ Charity, their fellows will also be offered a one-to-one mentoring session and CV clinic.”
Ian Murray, executive director of the Society of Editors, said: “This is an imaginative initiative that looks to help those seeking to get their foot on the first wrung of the journalism ladder.
“The pandemic has thrown into doubt so many people’s plans to find experience in the media to begin their career journey. The SoE is delighted to be able to play its part in giving assistance.”
The Fellowships are available for those “passionate about making their way into the journalism industry and are ready to make their first steps into paid work,” added Collins.
“We’ll also be looking to raise the profile of people who are currently underrepresented within the media at the moment. Our whole mission is about making the media better represent the country we serve, and this is the perfect chance to put this in action.
“When we say underrepresented voices we mean this in every way – we’re keen to hear from people of colour, disabled writers, those who are working class, people who identify as LGBTQ+, to name but a few. We also want to hear from people from across the UK and Ireland – not just those in London.”
Journalists working under the scheme will be paid at least £120 for every feature completed.
More details can be found here.
To apply for the Fellowship scheme go here by July 21, 2020.
