SCI Launches Participatory Journalism Fellowship

Across the world, we are witnessing a worrying disconnect between journalism and the reporting of issues experienced by disadvantaged and marginalised communities. Narratives are often being shaped to create division, and at the same time independent journalism is under significant pressure - its very survival is at stake.

In a modest response to this, SCI has launched its Participatory Journalism Fellowship, a programme designed to support the independent work of journalists, filmmakers, and storytellers from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. This initiative was built on the success of previous SCI fellowship programmes which included a few journalists, filmmakers, and producers. The fellowships allowed them to spend time undertaking work on stories/investigations that could be challenging to pursue within their normal working day.

Participatory Journalism fellows during a session with journalist, director, and film producer Trevor Birney.

Recognising the impact of these awards, we saw an opportunity to create a programme focused on helping a small number of independent journalists/Film makers to surface issues that are often unheard or silenced. The Participatory Journalism Fellowship was born out of this vision, providing awards to support projects across the island of Ireland that:

• Document community struggles against inequality and discrimination.
• Investigate the effects of disinformation and the rise of extremism.
• Share untold stories of groups marginalised and excluded with a particular focus on highlighting issues impacting women
• Highlight experiences and issues such as challenges within the health sector.

In addition to financial support, participants also receive mentorship, access to SCI’s activist networks, and guidance from leading figures in journalism and documentary filmmaking. SCI also plays an active role in amplifying the work of fellows, doing what we can to ensure their stories reach a wider audience - we help facilitate connections to communities and perspectives often overlooked in mainstream journalism and support the dissemination of their work across multiple platforms.

Participatory Journalism fellows during a podcast masterclass with Chris Scott, Colourist and 3D Artist at Below The Radar TV.

Speaking about the new fellowship programme, SCI’s Deputy Director Padraic Quirk said:

‘We believe this can be a highly impactful initiative that delivers significant value with a modest investment - giving journalists the space and support to tell critical stories that might otherwise go unheard.’

Meet the first round of fellows:

• Brian Pelan
• Colm Teague
• Elton Sibanda
• Clodagh Traynor
• Harry Bateman
• Claire Dickson
• Tommy Greene
• Martin Warde