Are you a skilled storyteller? Do you write or create content that reflects health issues in the Global South? Apply now for the CNN Storytelling for Impact Programme.
Organised by the CNN Academy Hub, the programme is driven by the growing need to address unprecedented health challenges—from epidemics and disease outbreaks to the far-reaching effects of humanitarian crises.
The programme seeks storytellers who can report facts and craft urgent, human-centred stories that drive awareness, accountability, and action. It focuses on supporting emerging journalism in the Global South—regions often at the epicentre of global health emergencies yet under-represented in mainstream coverage.
Whether you’re reporting on vaccine equity in Sub-Saharan Africa, chronicling humanitarian crises in conflict zones, or capturing the resilience of frontline health workers, this programme will help you uncover the stories that matter—and tell them with depth, context, and impact.
Programme Structure
The programme consists of two phases:
Phase One: Virtual Training (July – October 1, 2025)
A three-month online training featuring a series of expert-led courses aimed at enhancing storytelling techniques and deepening participants’ understanding of global issues, particularly those affecting the Global South.
Phase Two: In-Person Training in Abu Dhabi (November 2025)
Participants who complete Phase One—including all required courses, badges, and a story pitch—will be eligible for the in-person training and simulation in Abu Dhabi. This phase will focus on mobile journalism and storytelling practices, guided by CNN Academy’s expert trainers, and includes participation in the 2025 CNN Academy Simulation.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
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Reside and work in a country in the Global South (including countries in Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia).
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Be an early-career journalist, content creator, or storyteller.
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Have a portfolio of relevant work.
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Be willing and able to travel to Abu Dhabi in November 2025.
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Possess strong communication skills and fluency in written and spoken English.
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Demonstrate commitment to full participation in the programme and applying the acquired skills to future reporting.
Fellowship Application Process
Phase One Application
Submit a short application verifying your eligibility, background, and motivation for joining the programme. If accepted, you’ll gain access to the virtual training and work towards earning a certificate of completion.
Phase Two Application
If selected to proceed, you will need to submit:
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Samples of previous work
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Proof of residence in a Global South country
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A story pitch that reflects a global health issue relevant to the Global South, demonstrating both insight and feasibility
Story Production and Submission
After completing the simulation, participants will return to their home countries to produce their final stories. These must be submitted by January 31, 2026. Selected stories will be showcased on CNN’s digital and linear platforms, offering global exposure.
How to Apply
Visit the official website and apply here.
Application Deadline: June 23, 2025
The CNN Storytelling for Impact Programme, organized by CNN Academy Hub, is inviting talented storytellers who create content on health issues in the Global South to apply. The programme aims to address health challenges in these regions, which are often overlooked in global media. Participants are expected to report factual, human-focused stories that drive awareness, accountability, and action on global health emergencies.
The programme consists of two phases: Phase One is virtual training from July to October 2025, focused on storytelling techniques and understanding global challenges. Phase Two is an in-person training in Abu Dhabi in November, emphasizing mobile journalism with CNN expert guidance.
Eligibility criteria include residing and working in the Global South, being an early-career journalist or storyteller with a relevant portfolio, fluency in English, and commitment to the programme. The application process involves two phases, starting with a short application for virtual training and later requiring samples of work and a detailed story pitch on a relevant global health issue. Successful stories will be featured on CNN platforms, with a submission deadline of January 31, 2026. Application details are available online, with a deadline of June 23, 2025.
