The UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office announces an exclusive Scholarships Programme, the Chevening South Asia Journalism Programme with the theme ‘Good Governance in a Changing World: challenges to the media, politics and accountability.’

 
Aimed at high-flying, mid-career journalists, it is an eight week fully-funded scholarship at the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at Westminster University, London.

The programme aims to offer a unique learning experience that will sharpen critical thinking and leadership skills for media professionals from the sub-continent. The scholars will engage with senior British and international academics, journalists and public servants on a wide range of themes relevant to today’s fast-changing environment. Topics include: the exercise of power; models and quality of democratic governance; the role of media in society and political life; strategic security challenges and the role of the media in conflict resolution; the impact of technological change; and ethics, institutions and regulatory frameworks.  As part of the course, the scholars will also undergo a two-week internship with leading British media organisations.

 
The Programme will enable fourteen exceptional candidates –2 from Nepal, 6 from India, 5 from Pakistan, 1 from Bhutan - to prepare themselves for high responsibilities in their media organisations and relationship building in the region, by developing their analytical insights, strategic outlook and knowledge of key issues facing South Asian media.

The ideal candidate should be a mid-career Journalist covering political and economic sectors. Candidates will be expected to have at least seven years professional experience working with a leading media group. The course dates are April-May 2013. Deadline to apply is 7th December 2012.

 
John Tucknott, the British Ambassador, said “I’m immensely pleased to announce this opportunity to Nepali journalists. This is part of the UK’s effort to strengthen the capacity of Nepali media, and the role the media plays in a developing democracy.  The power of a free and responsible media, willing to challenge and question, is a vibrant addition to the governance of any country.”