Call for Applications

Dubawa Fact-Checking Fellowship 2020

The Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism (PTCIJ), through its fact-checking project, DUBAWA, is now accepting applications from journalists and researchers to the second edition of her fact-checking fellowship. 

The Dubawa Fact-Checking Fellowship promotes accountability of public institutions and political office holders by strengthening the individual capacity of journalists to critically examine public statements and supports the establishment of fact-checking desks in various newsrooms across Nigeria and Ghana. The opportunity is, thus, provided for journalists who are analytical, dedicated, innovative, highly knowledgeable in politics and researchers or academics with demonstrable evidence of commitment/interest in fact-checking as a mechanism for promotion and protection of truth in human affairs.

Inspired by the need to tackle the societal menace of mis- and dis-information in Nigeria and Ghana and creating a safer media ecosystem where truth and accuracy can thrive without jeopardizing freedom of expression, this fellowship is supported by Heinrich Boll Stiftung Foundation and offers a monthly stipend to cover all costs of the investigation and research project for fellows.

What’s new for 2020? 

Applications are now open to journalists domiciled in new media platforms (online blogs), radio and TV stations in Nigeria and Ghana. We seek applications from candidates interested in pursuing fact-checking of stories pertaining to politics, governance, and business.

Undergraduate students, postgraduate students or any person who works in academia and can devote sufficient time and resources to conducting monthly research on the complex dynamics of the information disorder ecosystem and are willing to help build a body of knowledge and quantifiable data around the understanding of information disorder can also apply.

Requirements:

All candidates must be willing to think about ways to expand the reach of verified information to grassroots communities that are targeted constituencies for political, social and cultural disinformation. 

Candidates must be from Nigeria and Ghana to be eligible for consideration. 

Applicants who are journalists  must commit to: 

  • write (online media) or read (radio and TV – also write) four fact-checks stories related to politics and two media literacy articles on a monthly basis 
  • facilitate the cross publication of at least one fact-check per month in whatever format
  • promote fact-checking on all social media, radio or TV platforms as necessary
  • train colleagues on the theory and practice of fact-checking
  • assist their newsroom to set up fact-checking desks prior to or upon completion of the programme

If selected, the applicant(s) must provide proof of approval from the newsroom that authorizes the applicant to undertake fact-checking work and provide an assurance that fact-checks will be widely circulated on their media platform and published on Dubawa’s websites as well.

Applicants who are researchers must commit to:

  • provide monthly analytical articles that could cover aspects of the information disorder ecosystem ranging from but not limited to – (1) the architectural/technological models of digital messaging and its impact on information flow (2) the impact of fact-checking on consumer knowledge and behavioural change  (3) gender differences in access to and reception of fact-checks, OR any other topic that is relevant to public discourse
  • Work with other researchers to jointly produce a comprehensive research document on information disorder in Nigeria and Ghana to be presented at the end of the Fellowship.

Selection Criteria

All applicants will go through two stages of selection: filling an application form and attending a virtual interview.

Experience in fact-checking is not required, however, special consideration will be given to journalists who:

  • Demonstrate an interest in and commitment to fact-checking and verification
  • Can demonstrate that fact-checking and verification is a new and vital field of journalism necessary for effecting policy changes in Nigeria and Ghana.
  • Are women and journalists from diverse backgrounds
  • Can and are willing to deliver an average of at least four fact-check  stories and two media literacy articles per month
  • Are disciplined and are willing to follow instructions and guidelines put in place

And researchers who:

  • Are research-oriented and can conduct empirical analyses of the patterns of information consumption in Nigeria and Ghana and its impact on democratic governance in selected society
  • Have an academic background 
  • Have a degree in mass communications, English or its related discipline
  • Are disciplined and are willing to follow instructions and guidelines put in place

Fellowship timeline

  • Application Starts: June 2, 2020
  • Application Deadline: June 12, 2020, at 11:59 pm
  • Contact of Successful Applicants: June 25, 2020
  • 3-day Intensive Training: June 29 – July 2, 2020
  • Fellowship Program Begins/Ends: July – December 2020.  

How to Apply

Applicants who meet the above criteria should click here to apply.

For more information about the Fellowship, contact us at contact@dubawa.org

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