Simon Cumbers Media Fund
The media plays an important role in informing the public about the developing world. Journalists bring issues to life in a way that people can easily relate to.
We recognise the role played by the media and are committed to supporting the efforts of journalists to report on development issues.
What is the Simon Cumbers Media Fund?
The Simon Cumbers Media Fund promotes quality coverage of global development issues in the Irish media by supporting journalists to travel to the developing world to produce a report for print, broadcast or an online publication. It was established in 2005 in memory of the late Irish journalist Simon Cumbers, who was killed in Saudi Arabia while working with the BBC the previous year.
Why are we involved?
Our support for the Simon Cumbers Media Fund is to enable media coverage that presents a balanced and realistic picture of the challenges facing communities in the developing world and of the progress that is being achieved.
The aim of the Simon Cumbers Media Challenge Fund is to assist and promote quality coverage of development issues in the Irish media.
Funding
Any media organisation or media professional can apply for funding. There are two rounds of funding each year: one in summer, and one in winter. Applications for print or broadcast projects are accepted, as well as for photographic and new media projects. Collaborative applications are also encouraged: for example, a joint application from a photographer and a print journalist.
Student competition
We also support a dedicated Simon Cumbers Media Fund competition for students. This competition is designed to raise awareness and understanding of development issues among third-level students. Two awards are granted each under this competition: one in a ‘Print’ category and one in a ‘Broadcast’ category.
Successful applications are chosen by an independent judging panel made up of representatives from Irish Aid, the Cumbers Family and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, in addition to a number of individual media experts
Find out more about the Simon Cumbers Media Fund
For further information on the Fund and how you can apply, visit www.simoncumbersmediafund.ie
