Application Deadline: September 7th 2019
In an age where audiences are bombarded with infinite digital
content, with which traditional media forms have to compete, journalism
has no choice but to be engaging and compelling. Such interesting times
summon a different form of storytelling; captivating, enganging in
durable depth, with meaningful themes and issues that outlast the
fleeting news cycle.
The future of journalism is pegged on the ability to tell stories
that educate and entertain; provoke and inspire. Stories that connect
deeply with our hopes and deepest aspirations, as well as stories that
speak to the heart of our anxieties and abiding fears. The future also
demands of media to recenter their strategies on the foundational
principles of journalism anchored on sustainable innovative frameworks
to deliver compelling journalism.
Advances in data analytics, artificial intelligence, visual art
forms, text, video, photography, animation, virtual and augmented
reality have put at the disposal of journalists unprecedented power to
engage a diversity of audiences in a shared experience.
The Innovation Centre (IC- Media Futures) of the Graduate
School of Media and Communication of Aga Khan University is accepting
applications from storytellers, writers, visual artists, cartoonists,
illustrators, data analytics specialists, data scientists,
photographers, videographers, graphic designers, coders, programmers and
animators who are willing to work as team to create compelling and
engaging multimedia projects on important social, environmental,
economic issues in the East Africa region.
The top three innovative ideas will be presented to a selection
panel. The winning team will join the Innovation Center accelerator
program as Innovators-in-Residence for a period of 6-12 months during
which they will be provided with resources including mentorship,
training, coaching, a start-up grant and partnership, to further
develop their idea into a viable and sustainable business of product.
The innovators-in-residence will form an ecosystem of innovators that
will work closely with our network coaches and mentors who will work
alongside them to facilitate their exploration of new innovative
projects.
The applications should be submitted as a team.
Core competencies required:
- Should demonstrate a credible idea in media innovation with specific focus on the process, product, content and business model.
- Should demonstrate the uniqueness of the idea and its contribution to media viability.
- Must provide a feasible work plan complete with short-term goals,
milestones and timelines for the implementation of the innovation
project. - Applicants should be technologically savvy and demonstrate an
understanding on how to utilize technology to foster media innovation. - Must demonstrate strong organizational skills and should be a
self-starter with the capacity to identify, prioritize and execute
projects and assignments with minimal supervision. - Ability to work and collaborate in a diverse community of innovators and demonstrate virtues of a team player.
Role and responsibilities of the innovators-in-residence.
- To work as a team to develop a business case for the innovative project that considers the work plan and budget.
- To work closely with the Innovation Center team, trainers and
coaches to conceptualise, launch and manage the innovation project. - Attend trainings and workshops on select topics facilitated by the Innovation Center.
- Attend and advice at update meetings both on an ad-hoc and monthly
basis to review and track the progress of the innovation project. - Provide constructive feedback on the accelerator services, trainings and workshops.
- Attend events organized by the Innovation Center to network with
investors, partners, innovators and other stakeholders to provide
insights into the innovation processes and experiences.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the Aga Khan University Media Innovation Center’s Accelerator Programme 2020