In a recent media training session organized by the Female Freelancers Federation (FFF), renowned journalist, Mrs. Juliana Francis shed light on the importance of upholding the integrity of investigative journalism grants and utilizing them for their intended purpose rather than personal enrichment.
Mrs. Francis, esteemed publisher of SecurityNewsAlert, delivered a comprehensive address titled 'The Rudiments of Pitching and Winning,' emphasizing the fundamental role of pitching in conducting impactful investigations.
Acknowledging the financial challenges often faced in pursuing investigative journalism, she highlighted the crucial role grants play in providing support.
Importance of Investigative Journalism Grants:
Investigative journalism plays a vital role in exposing corruption, holding power accountable, and effecting positive change in society. However, conducting in-depth investigations often requires substantial financial support.
This is where investigative journalism grants come into play. Mrs. Francis emphasized the significance of these grants as a means of support for journalists, despite their limited accessibility.
Art of Pitching:
During the training session, Mrs. Francis stressed the central role of pitching in the success of any investigation. She shared invaluable advice for journalists, highlighting the essential elements of an effective pitch.
Clear articulation of ideas, achievability, and demonstrating the potential impact of the investigation were identified as key factors. By mastering the art of pitching, journalists can enhance their chances of securing the necessary funding to pursue impactful stories.
Integrity in Budgeting:
Budgeting is a critical component of any journalistic endeavour, and Mrs. Francis emphasized its importance within the pitching process.
She urged journalists to maintain integrity in budgeting by being truthful and transparent; emphasizing that grants are not meant to make journalists rich but rather to support the pursuit of impactful journalism.
“Do not base your financial needs on the grant or under-budget. Pursuing wealth in this profession is misguided. Clarity and brevity are also crucial in pitching," Mrs. Francis reiterated, stating that by ensuring a well-structured budget, journalists can complete their investigations without financial setbacks, maintaining their professional integrity.
Rationale Behind the Training Session:
Mrs. Elizabeth Osayande, the convener of FFF, explained the motivation behind selecting the theme for the training session.
She said, “Many journalists face challenges in effectively pitching their ideas and lack the necessary skills for proper budgeting. Mrs. Juliana Francis, a trailblazer in a traditionally male-dominated field, was chosen to shed light on the intricacies of pitching and winning grants. Her expertise and achievements serve as inspiration, particularly for female journalists seeking to enhance their skills in these areas.”
Participants’ Experiences:
The training session garnered enthusiastic responses from participants who gained valuable insights.
Joan Odafe shared her experience, emphasizing the knowledge acquired on approaching sources requiring anonymity and effectively utilizing data to articulate ideas.
Another participant, Princess Ekwi Ajide, highlighted the significance of budgeting in pitching, vowing to apply the newfound learnings to improve her future endeavours.
The session served as a platform for journalists to enhance their skills, fostering a culture of professionalism and integrity.
By Edumattas
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