CJFE Opens Applications to 2016-2017 Bob Carty Free Expression Fellowship

TORONTO, April 19, 2016 /CNW/ - Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) is excited to announce the second call for proposals for the Bob Carty Free Expression Fellowship, which will provide financial support to individuals or groups working on projects that further the growth of free expression in Canada. The Fellowship is awarded annually to aid projects that contribute to the protection and analysis of free expression issues in Canada.

CJFE is welcoming application submissions for a range of projects:

• Academic research
• Enterprise or investigative journalism
• Events or conferences
• Other projects that will enhance transparency and accountability in Canada

Fellowship applicants must demonstrate a clear link to a free expression issue in Canada and make a solid contribution to advancing this issue. This year's recipient will receive a grant of up to $7,000. The deadline for this year's applications is June 27, 2016.

The inaugural Bob Carty Free Expression Fellowship was granted to Erin Millar of Discourse Media, a Vancouver-based journalism organization that is working to break down barriers between reporters in the mainstream media and Indigenous communities. Through CJFE's fellowship funding, Discourse Media collaborated with Nancy Macdonald, associate editor at Maclean's. Discourse Media is also using the fellowship funding to develop The Diversity Source Network and Methodology, an online platform to seed a network of sources who are willing to share their experiences and engage in a two-way dialogue with journalists. To read more about the work of Discourse Media please follow this link.

 "Last year's fellowship was an incredible success, demonstrating how a small amount of funding in the hands of the right people, with the right idea, can make a huge difference for free expression in Canada," said CJFE's executive director Tom Henheffer. "We're so excited that the work of Discourse Media will continue to grow beyond the seed stage, and even more excited to see what this year's Bob Carty Fellow will accomplish."

The Fellowship was established in memory of Bob Carty, a tireless defender of free expression and press freedom for all Canadians, as well as a multiple award-winning journalist, activist, and veteran CJFE Board member. Bob passed away in September 2014, and CJFE is honoured to be able to continue his legacy with this new initiative.

"Bob's contributions to protecting and improving free expression in Canada were incomparable and will be deeply missed," said CJFE board member Arnold Amber. "By supporting projects that will carry forward his life's work, passion, and activist spirit, we hope to encourage more Canadians to follow Bob's inspiring path to creating a better nation."

The deadline for application submissions for the 2016-2017 Fellowship is Monday, June 27, 2016. The second fellowship will commence in September 2016. More information about this fellowship opportunity is available at cjfe.org/cartyfellowship. 

About CJFE 

CJFE monitors, defends and reports on free expression and access to information in Canada and abroad. Rooted in the field of journalism, we promote a free media as essential to a fair and open society.

CJFE boldly champions the free expression rights of all people, and encourages and supports individuals and groups in the protection of their own and others' free expression rights. cjfe.org.

SOURCE Canadian Journalists for Free Expression

and media enquiries, please contact: Duncan Pike, CJFE Campaigns and Advocacy Coordinator, [email protected], 416-515-9622 x. 226