Applications open for British Council’s Future News Worldwide conference

Future News Worldwide 2021, a distinguished worldwide online conference organised by the British Council in collaboration with some of the world's major media organisations, is now accepting applications.

The application process will close on 8 June, whereas the event will occur virtually on 14 and 15 July, 2021, reads a press release. 

Under the theme 'Climate, Covid-19 and the rise of disinformation: how journalism can best serve a world in crisis,' the conference will offer a rich and packed programme for the next generation of newsmakers and content creators. 

There are 100 places available for the brightest young student bloggers, vloggers, photojournalists, and reporters from across the globe to take part in it.  

Besides learning from leading reporters and broadcasters, attendees will also get to experience a breaking health story in a high-intensity news-room simulation created by First Draft, designed to provoke real-time reporting decisions to combat the spread of misinformation.

The opportunity is available to undergraduate and postgraduate students from any country who are between 18-25 years old as of 1 July, 2021. 

Applicants should be able to speak English at an advanced level and need to demonstrate a passion for following a career in journalism.

All the online applications will be assessed by an independent adjudicator and judges appointed by the British Council. 

They will select the delegates based on their responses and will be notified within 30 days following the closing date. 

Last year's online event saw some of the most experienced and respected international editors, broadcasters, and reporters share their knowledge and insights with delegates from 50 countries. 

Past conference speakers have included Maria Ressa, CEO, Rappler Media; Jon Snow, journalist, Channel Four; Christina Lamb, chief foreign correspondent, The Sunday Times; Nick Tattersall, head of Global News Desk, Thomson Reuters; and Sreenivasan Jain, managing editor, New Delhi Television.

With contributions from leading media organisations such as Reuters, Google News Initiative, and UK Schools of Journalism, Future News Worldwide is a key programme for the British Council to build connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and overseas through education and arts. 

The conference is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the next generation of top journalists to hone their skills and make global connections. 

You can find out more about the programme and how to apply by visiting www.britishcouncil.org/future-news-worldwide.