Media Fellowship Programme

Job Description

Title: Media Fellowship Programme

Company Name: Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST)

Vacancy: 2

Age: At least 25 years

Job Location: Anywhere in Bangladesh

Salary: Negotiable

Experience:

Published: 2025-12-03

Application Deadline: 2025-12-12

Education:

• Bachelor of Social Science (BSS) in Journalism
• Bachelor of Law (LLB) in Law

• Age At least 25 years

      i.         Young professional journalists (preference will be given to applicants from minority and marginalised communities). 

    ii.         Reporters, photographers, radio/audio journalists, and television/video journalists working in print, broadcast, or online media (including YouTube), as well as freelancers.

1. Background and Rationale

The fellowship programme aims to empower young legal and media practitioners from minority and traditionally marginalised communities to strengthen their understanding of rights, particularly freedom of expression. Through mentorship and capacity enhancement, fellows will learn to use media and digital platforms to share quality information, undertake community-based research, and identify policy and legislative barriers. They will also engage with policymakers, CSOs, HRDs, and media actors to present their findings and recommendations. The initiative ultimately seeks to amplify underrepresented voices and promote inclusive, accountable media narratives.

1. Responsibility of the Fellow

      i.         Produce Quality Outputs – Develop original, well-researched stories or multimedia content highlighting issues related to freedom of expression, inclusion, and rights of minority or marginalised communities.

     ii.         Conduct Ethical and Community-Based Research – Undertake participatory research within their communities to identify local challenges and opportunities in exercising freedom of expression, ensuring adherence to ethical standards, accuracy, and inclusivity.

   iii.         Engage in Mentorship and Capacity Building – Actively participate in all training, workshops, and mentorship sessions; apply guidance received to strengthen research and media outputs.

   iv.         Contribute to Advocacy and Policy Dialogue – Share research findings and insights in civic forums, expert discussions, and Policy Dialogue Working Groups, contributing to evidence-based policy recommendations.

     v.         v. Ensure Timely Reporting and Coordination – Meet all deadlines, submit deliverables and progress updates, and maintain effective communication with fellowship coordinators and consortium partners.

2.. Mentorship and Capacity Building

• Each fellow will receive mentorship from experienced editors, journalists, or media professionals.

• Mentors will provide guidance in research, reporting, storytelling, and advocacy efforts.

• Expert consultations will be organised to review research findings, video stories, or written features, and to develop policy recommendations based on the fellows’ work.

3.. Thematic Areas

Fellows are expected to focus on topics that highlight challenges and opportunities in media and minority rights, including:

1. Media representation and coverage of minority communities.

2. Legal, political, and safety challenges faced by journalists and communities.

3. Emerging trends and the future of journalism from the perspective of the community.

4. Journalism practices and safety protocols.

5. Digital misinformation, hate speech, and journalism.