Grants for Investigative Journalism: Prioritise integrity over personal gain — Expert
Renowned journalist, Mrs. Juliana Francis, has emphasised the importance of using investigative journalism grants for their intended purpose rather than personal enrichment.
Francis, Publisher of SecurityNewsAlert , said this at the monthly media training organised by the Female Freelancers Federation, FFF, addressing investigative journalism through the topic “The Rudiments of Pitching and Winning”.
Juliana Francis highlighted the significance of pitching as the central focus of any investigation, acknowledging the financial challenges that often hinder the pursuit of impactful journalism.
“Investigations require funding, and grants, although not easily accessible, can offer support. Therefore, pitching becomes crucial,” she emphasised.
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Francis offered valuable advice to journalists, stressing the essential elements of an effective pitch: “When pitching, it is imperative to ensure your proposal is clear, achievable and demonstrates its significance in effecting change,” she said.
She further noted the importance of budgeting within the pitching process, explaining that a well-structured budget ensures the successful completion of a story without financial setbacks.
“It is essential to maintain integrity in budgeting by being truthful. Grants (for investigative journalism) are not meant to make journalists rich.
“Therefore, one should not base their financial needs on the grant or under-budget. Pursuing wealth in this profession is misguided. Clarity and brevity are also crucial in pitching,” reiterated Francis.
On her part, FFF Convener, Elizabeth Osayande, explained the rationale behind choosing the theme for the training session, noting that many journalists struggle with pitching their ideas and often lack the skills for proper budgeting.
“We believe that Mrs. Juliana Francis, who has shattered barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field and continues to garner awards, is the perfect person to enlighten us, particularly female journalists, on the intricacies of pitching and winning grants,” Osayande stated.
Participants at the training moderated by a journalist, Mrs Esther Onyeagbula, expressed their enthusiasm and appreciation for the valuable insights gained.
One of the participants, Joan Odafe, shared her experience, stating: “I acquired knowledge on approaching sources who require anonymity. Additionally, I learned how to articulate my ideas effectively using data.”
Another participant, Princess Ekwi Ajide, emphasised the significance of budgeting in pitching, stating, “This session has reinforced the importance of budgeting in my pitches. I will apply these to improve my future endeavours.”