What is it?
The One World Media Fellowships have been running since 1996. Every year, One World Media selects a group of senior broadcasters from the developing world to take part. The key to the Fellowship Scheme is exchange: this is an opportunity for media figures in the UK and developing countries to learn about, and share, their experiences, ideas and challenges.
What happens during the Fellowship?
Broadcasters who have taken part in the One World Fellowship Scheme have all agreed that the two-week scheme is packed, intense and highly fulfilling. In general, the first week comprises a range of sessions that the whole group will attend together, and will include visits to some of the major broadcasting institutions in the UK. The second week is made up of specific sessions tailored for each individual fellow. This might include one-to-one meetings, and/or half-day placements in a particular organisation.
There are many different types of session that take place during the scheme, such as:
- A tour of the BBC Newsroom, and a visit to the Sky News studios
- Meetings with senior government officials, and with representatives of Ofcom, the media regulator in the UK
- Discussions with various experts at the BBC and other major broadcasters, on topics such as audience research, commissioning, newsroom technology and advertising
- Meetings with independent production companies and commercial radio stations
- Roundtable discussions with other international media professionals taking part in the Reuters Journalism Fellowships
- Meetings with other relevant organisations, including the Commonwealth Broadcasting Association, the Thomson Foundation, and the BBC World Service Trust
2008 Fellows with Jeremy Paxman at the BBC
How does it work?
One World Media invites applications from candidates around July every year. In general, the scheme is designed for broadcasters working in senior roles, with the ability to implement change within their organisation. More specific criteria are made available on this website when applications open (see How to Apply).
Typically, the scheme receives over 200 applications each year from all parts of the world. An expert panel is asked to shortlist and then select the successful Fellows. While the panel focuses on individual experience and career potential, it also aims to create a balance in the group in terms of gender, region of origin, broadcast medium, and area of expertise.
The fellowship programme is different every year. The organisers speak with each individual fellow to learn about their field of broadcasting, and the specific areas in which they wish to gain experience. The programme is then planned in cooperation with numerous UK broadcast professionals, many of whom have been involved with the scheme in previous years.
The scheme usually takes place in late October. Successful applicants have their international travel and accommodation expenses covered for the duration of the programme, and are given a daily living allowance. Also, while taking part, the Fellows are supported comprehensively by staff members of One World Media - they are escorted to all of their meetings, and are given information packs to prepare them for each day of the scheme.