Hello,
Speaking truth to power is bad business. It has been for us. But we continue to do it anyway, questioning those in power, even if it is uncomfortable, inconvenient, or outright risky. We do it to hold them accountable, for you, our readers and the citizens to whom, we are accountable.
As we head into the new year, we want to push harder on investigations. To make that possible, we are bringing back our TRC Investigative Reporting Fellowship, which offers Rs. 100,000 to one selected fellow, along with editorial guidance and reporting support.
We are calling on journalists across India to apply, especially those from disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds, and to spend some time working with us, even if it’s temporary.
That said, this fellowship is for serious, original investigative work. Do read about the themes and the kind of stories we publish. We are looking for deep investigations, ideally with some pre-reporting already done.
If you’ve been sitting on a strong investigative pitch and need support to take it forward, we’d love to hear from you. Applications close on December 31.
This email is as much a call for journalists to apply as it is about finding funds to support this fellowship. Fellowships like this don’t run on intent alone. Your support helps cover the fellowship amount, yes, but also travel, reporting expenses, and editorial costs that long investigations demand.
The spaces that speak truth to power are shrinking. We all see it. And we all know that independent journalism needs backing if those spaces are to survive. Festive seasons are also when we ask, plainly, for support to keep doing this work. If you believe in our work, help us keep that space alive.
Regards,
Mayank Aggarwal
Editor
The Reporters’ Collective