WAN-IFRA seeks applications for the Mobile News Grants and Training Scheme

WAN-IFRA seeks applications for the Mobile News Grants and Training Scheme from partnerships led by newspapers in Sub-Saharan Africa

The World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA), based in Paris, France, and Darmstadt, Germany, with subsidiaries in Singapore, India, Spain, France and Sweden, is the global organization of the world’s newspapers and news publishers. It represents more than 18,000 publications, 15,000 online sites and over 3,000 companies in more than 120 countries. Its core mission is to defend and promote press freedom, quality journalism and editorial integrity and the development of prosperous businesses.

Call for Applications

(WAN-IFRA) has launched its Mobile News Grants and Training Scheme aimed at helping to start and expand mobile news platforms across Sub-Saharan Africa.

In this context applications are invited for this grant and training scheme from newspapers; applicants may work in partnership with other media outlets or NGOs, but projects must be led by the newspaper.

WAN-IFRA invites newspapers that are launching or expanding their mobile services to apply for small-scale technical assistance grants of up to 5000 Euros, as well as training and consultancy from African and international experts on mobile web, mobile advertising, mobile election monitoring and many other topics. Among the key criteria for proposed projects is the potential for economic sustainability.

Up to three successful applicants will be given the opportunity to attend the WAN-IFRA World Newspaper Congress and World Editors Forum ) in Vienna in October. Registration fees, travel and accommodation costs will be met by the Mobile News for Africa project.  Applicants should indicate their availability on the application form.

About the Mobile News Grants and Training Scheme

The project will provide funding, consultations and training to newspaper companies in Sub-Saharan Africa that are looking to move into mobile or expand their existing mobile news services.

The grant and training scheme follows a successful pilot project at the Observer newspaper in Uganda and the soon-to-be published handbook, “Mobile Media Services At Sub-Saharan African Newspapers: A Guide To Implementing Mobile News And Mobile Business”, co-published by WAN-IFRA and the African Media Initiative.

Application Information

Applications will only be accepted from newspapers; applicants may work in partnership with other media outlets or NGOs, but projects must be led by the newspaper.

The applications will be considered over the summer, with the funding and training to be delivered in the autumn of 2011 and spring 2012.

Deadline: 5 September 2011

For more information and details, visit this link.