Walkley Young Indigenous Scholarship with Junkee Media and 10 News First
When do applications open?
Applications will open on Monday, March 7, 2022
Who is this scholarship for?
The scholarship is for an aspiring Indigenous journalist to develop their newsroom experience with two leading news providers. Applicants must be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and aged 30 or under at the time of applying.
What kind of skills and experience are you looking for in applicants?
The judges are looking for a demonstrated passion for journalism across broadcast and digital. Applicants must show excellent presentation, research and writing skills, experience in interviewing people and pitching story ideas, and have the ability to spot a newsworthy story. They must be willing to work as part of a collaborative, busy environment, and meet deadlines. Written and spoken proficiency in English is a must. A positive, willing and adaptable approach is essential.
What kind of tasks will the successful applicant be required to do in the host newsrooms?
The successful applicant will experience general reporting and produce a feature of their choice over four weeks at Junkee. They will also spend one week at Punkee learning how to produce video content. They will also assist the video team for one week. During a six-week placement at 10 News First in Sydney, the applicant will have exposure to daily broadcast news bulletins, social and digital content with 10 Daily and discussion and entertainment content as part of Studio 10.
Am I experienced enough to apply?
You don’t need to have worked full-time in media, or even have completed university studies in journalism. But you will have demonstrated an interest in reporting or storytelling. Experience in interviewing people, researching and pitching story ideas, is essential.
I am not based in Sydney – will there be support for me to get to the placements?
The recipient will receive a stipend of $10,000 to cover living expenses and travel costs for the duration of the scholarship. Further funding is available to cover interstate travel to the placement. Accommodation at the Tony Mundine Hostel is also available.
Will there be someone to support me during the placements?
The recipient will receive support and guidance from an experienced journalist who will mentor them throughout their placement.
How do I apply?
Using the online application form. It is free to apply. As well as your contact details, you will be asked to explain how you meet the criteria and submit three examples of your best work.
All applicants are required to submit the following material with their application:
- 1 x personal goals essay demonstrating your passion for journalism. Please include why you want to be a journalist, your story so far, your aspirations and why a career in the media is important to you.
- 1 x copy of a current CV (including details of a personal and a professional referee)
- 3 x examples of your best work
In the application form, you will also be asked questions about why you are applying and what you hope to receive from this opportunity. You will be able to save your progress as you go along.
When do applications close?
The application form will close at midnight on Monday, May 2, 2022.
When will I know if my application has been successful?
Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed by the judging panel either in person or via video conference in the final week of May 2022. The winner will be notified following the interviews and publicly announced at the Mid Year Celebration of Journalism on Wednesday, June 15, 2022.
Who will judge the applications?
A panel of senior journalists will assess the applications, and select and interview the shortlisted applicants.
Is there any flexibility on the length of the placement?
No. The placement is for 12 weeks, consecutively. This is to ensure that you have the greatest opportunity for a productive experience.
Can I talk to someone about this?
For further questions on the scholarship program, please contact Kym Middleton, kym.middleton@walkleys.com| +61 401 512 583