EJN Reporting Fellowships Offer Opportunity for In-depth Climate and Business Stories in Bangladesh

Journalists in Bangladesh have a chance to explore the critical intersection of climate change and the private sector through the EJN Reporting Fellowships. This program, offered by Earth Journalism Network (EJN), aims to support the creation of detailed reports that shed light on how climate change affects businesses and what actions are being taken to address it. The fellowships provide not only financial support but also guidance from experienced mentors to help journalists produce impactful stories.

Understanding the Fellowship’s Focus

The EJN Reporting Fellowships are designed to encourage reporting on several key areas within Bangladesh’s context. These include the specific impacts climate change has on the nation’s private sector, the initiatives businesses are undertaking to combat these effects, and how all stakeholders can contribute to climate solutions. The program also welcomes pitches that examine the role of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) rules, the use of climate finance tools like carbon markets, and new business opportunities arising from climate change, such as in renewable energy and clean transportation. Furthermore, the fellowships encourage exploration into how artificial intelligence development might influence climate and business, and the issue of corporate greenwashing.

What the Fellowship Offers

Selected fellows will receive a grant of 1,500 EUR. This funding is intended to cover essential reporting costs, including travel and accommodation expenses necessary for gathering information and producing their stories. Beyond the financial award, the program emphasizes mentorship, pairing fellows with experienced professionals who can offer guidance throughout the story production process. This support aims to help journalists develop compelling narratives and conduct thorough investigations.

Eligibility and Application Details

To be eligible for the EJN Reporting Fellowships, applicants must be from Bangladesh. While groups of journalists can apply together, one lead applicant must be designated to handle communication with EJN and receive any fellowship funds. Applications can be submitted in either English or Bangla. The program is open to journalists working across all media platforms, including online, print, television, and radio. It also welcomes applications from other professionals with proven reporting experience. Both early-career journalists and seasoned reporters with a history of covering business and climate change are encouraged to apply. Freelancers and staff from various media organizations, whether international, national, local, or community-based, are also invited to submit their proposals.

A crucial aspect of the application process involves transparency regarding the use of generative AI tools. Applicants must disclose if they have used such tools in revising their proposals. EJN reserves the right to disqualify any applicant found to have engaged in unethical professional conduct, including submitting AI-generated content as their own work.

Criteria for Selection

When developing their proposals, applicants should consider several key selection criteria. The relevance of the story idea to the fellowship’s objectives is paramount; proposals must clearly define why the story matters and to whom, along with its context and value to the target audience. The angle of the proposed report is also important; if the topic has been covered before, the proposal should offer new insights or a fresh perspective.

The reach of the proposed media outlet will be assessed. Journalists whose work typically appears behind paywalls are encouraged to secure commitments for publication from additional outlets or request an exception to ensure their EJN-supported report is accessible to a wider audience. The potential impact of the proposal is another key factor, looking for compelling narratives or investigative elements that can inform, engage, spark debate, and encourage action.

Innovative storytelling approaches, including the use of multimedia and data visualization, will be viewed favorably. Finally, applicants must present a clear plan for timely publication, including a letter of support from an editor committing to publish or broadcast the report by September 30, 2026.

Conclusion

The EJN Reporting Fellowships present a valuable opportunity for journalists in Bangladesh to delve into the complex relationship between climate change and the private sector. By offering financial support, mentorship, and a clear focus on impactful storytelling, this program aims to foster a deeper public understanding of these critical issues and encourage solutions. Interested journalists should carefully review the eligibility requirements and selection criteria to craft a compelling application before the June 14, 2026 deadline.