About the Journalist Awards

Changing Ideas and the Public Interest News Foundation (PINF) are delighted to announce a new award for Tenacious Journalists.

These awards, launching at the Indie News Forum in Glasgow on 11 October 2024, aim to support UK journalists and small news organisations to have a positive social impact.

Winners will receive grants between £5,000 and £20,000, with a total fund of up to £100,000. Additionally, awardees will get eight months of coaching and mentoring to boost their journalism's impact, with results showcased at the 2025 Indie News Forum.

We want our funding to be used to bring to light important stories which would otherwise not be reported and hope to trigger journalism which has the widest and deepest impact.

Why independent news matters

PINF believes everyone should benefit from journalism that resonates with them. Independent news providers and freelance journalists often fill gaps left by mainstream media, giving a voice to underrepresented groups, holding authorities accountable, and fact-checking political claims. These awards will recognize journalism that drives meaningful change at individual, community, or institutional levels and drive social change.

  • Recipients of the Tenacious Journalist Awards will receive:

    • A grant of £5,000-£20,000 to enhance public interest journalism.

    • Eight months of coaching and mentoring tailored to their needs.

    • Access to networks including Law for Change and Link for Change.

    • Recognition as a leader in independent journalism.

  • Applicants must:

    • Be an individual journalist or independent news organisation with a turnover below £500,000 and no commercial or political affiliations.

    • Be UK-based.

    • Focus primarily on public interest news - that is ethical and impartial journalism that informs and empowers the public.

    • Be seeking support to highlight a social issue and achieve change.

    • The funding may be used to enable new journalism, complete an existing piece of investigative work, publish work or a combination.

  • We anticipate a strong and extensive field of applicants for these awards.

    A long list of around twenty applicants will be judged by a panel of three journalists with an outstanding international track record in their field. They will be joined by the founder of Changing Ideas, David Graham.

    To qualify, applicants need to:

    • Show a history of high-quality, ethical journalism.

    • Demonstrate a proven record of positive social impact in the UK.

    • Have a clear plan for using the award to highlight a social issue and achieve change through public interest journalism.

  • Applications open on 25th September 2024, with a deadline of 31st October 2024 for expressions of interest.

    Around twenty applicants will then be invited to submit a formal application by 30th November 2024

    The selection process includes eligibility checks, interviews, and final decisions by an expert panel. The awards will be publicly announced in early 2025.

  • Applications are welcome from both freelance journalists and all types of independent news media, including print, digital, audio, and video.

    Whether you publish via a website, community radio, or social media platforms like Substack or Instagram, you can apply if your work aligns with PINF's definition of public interest news.

  • Complete the online expression of interest by 31st October 2024.

    Be concise and provide relevant links or evidence to support your application.

    For any questions, contact us at journalism@tenaciousawards.org.