17 media opportunities for journalists in October

If you’re looking to boost your career, sharpen your skills, or gain recognition for impactful reporting, there are 17 media opportunities for journalists in October that you should have on your radar.

From fully funded scholarships and international fellowships to awards, grants, and specialised training, October brings a diverse mix of chances designed for both early-career and experienced media professionals.

These opportunities cut across a wide range of themes, including political economy, technology, and campus journalism, to gender equality, public health, rare diseases, and investigative safety.

While some provide financial support, others offer mentorship, training, and access to global platforms where your work can gain visibility.

1. DevReporting seeks pitches on education financing, gender-based policies in Oyo State: DEADLINE: OCTOBER 1, 2025 — Journalists can submit story pitches on poor education financing, limited citizen participation in education planning and gender-blind policy implementation in Oyo State. APPLY HERE
2. Stigler Centre’s Journalists in Residence Programme: DEADLINE: OCTOBER 1, 2025 — The Stigler Centre’s Journalists in Residence Programme provides a transformative learning experience for journalists who want to learn more about political economy. APPLY HERE
3. Political and General News Correspondent at Reuters: DEADLINE: OCTOBER 1, 2025 — Reuters is looking for an exceptional journalist as Political and General News Correspondent to cover West and Central Africa. APPLY HERE
4. Feminist Journalist Fellowship open for applications: DEADLINE: OCTOBER 5, 2025 — The Feminist Journalist Fellowship: Journalism as Resistance is a six-month programme for early- to mid-career journalists from the Global South.APPLYE HERE
5. Apply to study in the UK on a fully funded Chevening Scholarship: DEADLINE: OCTOBER 7, 2025 — Applications are currently open for the fully-funded Chevening Scholarship programme, designed to help candidates study in the UK. APPLY HERE
6. Naija Feminists Media 2025 Editorial Fellowship: DEADLINE: OCTOBER 7, 2025 — Naija Feminists Media (NFM) invites journalists to apply for its inaugural media fellowship to commemorate the #16DaysofActivism. APPLY HERE
7. WSCIJ’s holistic safety training for investigative reporters, editors: DEADLINE: OCTOBER 8, 2025 — The Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) has a safety training for senior investigative journalists and editors in Nigeria. APPLY HERE
8. 2025 Alfred Opubor Prize for Campus Journalism open for entries: DEADLINE: OCTOBER 10, 2025— The Centre for Journalism Innovation & Development (CJID) is inviting student journalists from universities and polytechnics across Nigeria to submit their best work for recognition in the 2025 edition of Alfred Opubor Prize for Campus Journalism. APPLY HERE
9. Fellowship opens for community journalists in Northern Nigeria: DEADLINE: October 10, 2025 — HumAngle Foundation is now accepting applications for the Strengthening Community Journalism and Human Rights Advocacy (SCOJA) Fellowship. APPLY HERE
10. Call for Applications: 2025 Rare Disease Reporting Fellowship and Grants: DEADLINE: OCTOBER 12, 2025 — The National Press Foundation (NPF) invites professional journalists to apply for this one-week free online training as part of its Rare Disease Reporting Fellowship. APPLY HERE
11. $15,000 McGraw Business Journalism Fellowships open for applications: DEADLINE: OCTOBER 13, 2025 — The Harold W. McGraw Jr. Business Journalism Fellowships, administered by the McGraw Centre, are now accepting applications from journalists interested in deepening their expertise in business reporting and financial journalism. APPLY HERE
12. Youth Digest’s 2025 campus journalism awards open for entries: DEADLINE: OCTOBER 14, 2025 — The Youths Digest Campus Journalism Initiative is accepting entries for the 2025 Campus Journalism Awards (CJA). APPLY HERE
13. 2026 Tech Policy Press Fellowship programme: DEADLINE: OCTOBER 15, 2025 — The Tech Policy Press fellowship is open to journalists, researchers, lawyers and public policy professionals interested in exploring the intersection of technology and democracy. APPLY HERE
14. Media Recognition Awards on diabetes, hypertension coverage: DEADLINE: OCTOBER 30, 2025 — The Merck Foundation is seeking applications for its Media Recognition Awards for the coverage of Diabetes and Hypertension. APPLY HERE
15. Merck Foundation 2025 media recognition awards: DEADLINE: OCTOBER 30, 2025 — Merck Foundation invites journalists to submit entries on diabetes and hypertension for the Media Recognition Awards 2025. APPLY HERE
16. True Story Award 2026 open for entries: DEADLINE: OCTOBER 31, 2025 — Journalists can submit entries for the 2026 True Story Award. The winner of each category will receive a USD 20,000 cash prize. APPLY HERE
17. Register for CJID’s 2025 media and development conference: The Media and Development Conference 2025 by the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) is open for registration. APPLY HERE

 

MORE MEDIA AND JOURNALISM OPPORTUNITIES FROM I-79 MEDIA

Looking to spice up the new year with brand new goals and ambitions? You can select from the list of applications.

1. 2025 AIPS Sport Media Awards open for entries: DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 4, 2025 — Submissions are now open for the 2025 AIPS Sport Media Awards, the most prestigious recognition in international sports journalism. Open to professional journalists and freelancers, the awards honour excellence across photography, writing, audio, and video categories. APPLY HERE
2. Nieman-Berkman Klein Fellowship in Journalism Innovation: DEADLINE: DECEMBER 1, 2025 — Applications are now open for the Nieman-Berkman Klein Fellowship in Journalism Innovation. APPLY HERE
3. Sony World Photography Awards open for applications: JANUARY 2026— Photographers who want to elevate their careers to the next level can apply for the Sony World Photography Awards. APPLY HERE

 

ROLLING OPPORTUNITIES

Seeking funds for your next media projects? This Rolling Story Grants section is tailored for you.

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1. The New York Times is hiring West Africa Correspondent: DEADLINE: ROLLING — The New York Times is hiring a West Africa Correspondent, based in Dakar, Senegal, or within the region, to cover politics, culture, security, and social transformations across West Africa. APPLY HERE
2. Financial Times hiring West Africa Correspondent: DEADLINE: ROLLING — The Financial Times (FT) is seeking a West Africa Correspondent to lead its coverage of politics, economics, business, and social issues across nearly 20 countries in West Africa. APPLY HERE
3. Chief Africa Correspondent needed at Semafor: Semafor, a global news platform, has a remote role for a Chief Africa Correspondent. Though based in Africa, candidates must be willing to work flexible hours and frequently travel domestically across the continent and internationally as needed. APPLY HERE
4. Freelance journalist needed at The Daily Influence: The Daily Influence is looking for an early-career freelance journalist to cover the creator economy. The selected candidate will receive a salary of up to N400,000 per month. APPLY HERE
5. Canary Media hiring Copy and Production Editor: DEADLINE: ROLLING — Canary Media is seeking a Copy and Production Editor to join its newsroom, working at the forefront of global climate and clean energy reporting. APPLY HERE
6. Climate Home News seeks pitches from freelance journalists, others: Climate Home News accepts article pitches from freelance journalists, experts and organisations working on climate policy. APPLY HERE
7. Mongabay seeks investigations editor: DEADLINE: ROLLING — Mongabay, an award-winning global environmental news platform, is hiring an Investigations Editor to manage its growing body of cross-border investigative reporting on environmental destruction and accountability. APPLY HERE
8. Multinational TV and print media hiring Bureau Chief in Nigeria: A multinational TV and print media is hiring a Bureau Chief in Nigeria to set up operations in the country. APPLY HERE
9. Pulitzer Centre offering ocean and fisheries reporting grant: The Pulitzer Centre, a nonprofit organisation that supports independent global journalism, is accepting proposals for its ocean and fisheries reporting grant. APPLY HERE
10. Vacancy for Investigative Researcher and Reporter at Mongabay: DEADLINE: ROLLING — Mongabay, an award-winning environmental science and conservation news organisation, is hiring an Investigative Researcher and Reporter. APPLY HERE
11. Naija Feminists Media seeks contributors, writers: DEADLINE: ROLLING — Naija Feminists Media is accepting articles from feminist writers who are interested in sharing original work on feminist topics. APPLY HERE
12. Media interest form for ICFP 2025 programme: This media interest form is for reporters, content creators, journalists, and community reporters committed to advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and family planning globally. APPLY HERE
13. Reporters Without Borders is hiring a data journalist: Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is recruiting a Data Journalist to lead the collection and analysis of statistical data for the annual World Press Freedom Index. APPLY HERE
14. Work with Rolling Stone Africa magazine: Rolling Stone Africa (RSA) magazine seeks passionate, curious and driven individuals to help its mission of shaping a new future for music, fashion, politics and youth culture on the continent. APPLY HERE
15. TechCabal seeks tech and business policy correspondent in Abuja: TechCabal is hiring a Tech & Business Policy Correspondent in Abuja to cover the intersection of technology, business and policy in Nigeria and across Africa. APPLY HERE
16. Call for Applications: One Young World Journalist of the Year Award: The One Young World Journalist of the Year Award is now open for 2025 applications and nominations. This award highlights the work of young journalists who are fearlessly covering the truth, changing the way stories are reported and empowering others by giving them a voice. APPLY HERE
17. Apply for grants at Fund for Investigative Journalism: The Fund for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) is offering grants to journalists for the production of impactful investigative stories. APPLY HERE
18. Zikoko is hiring a writer: Zikoko’s HER Vertical is looking for a creative and driven writer to craft compelling articles, engaging quizzes and manage its newsletter. APPLY HERE
19. Joan Shorenstein fellowship for journalists, policymakers, others: DEADLINE: ROLLING — Applications are open for the Joan Shorenstein Fellowship, aimed at advancing research in the field of media, politics and public policy. APPLY HERE
20. Grant writing course for journalists: Journalists who want to learn the ins and outs of applying for grants can enroll for this course: Grant Writing for Journalists. APPLY HERE
21. Pulitzer Centre seeks proposals on climate change and its effects on workers and work: DEADLINE: ROLLING — The Pulitzer Centre has reporting grants for its initiative focused on climate change and its effects on workers and work. APPLY HERE
22. Pulitzer Centre seeks proposals for transparency and governance reporting grants: DEADLINE: ROLLING — The Pulitzer Center invites applications from freelance and staff journalists worldwide for its Transparency & Governance Reporting Grants. APPLY HERE
23. Grants for underreported stories in Sub-Saharan Africa:  DEADLINE: ROLLING — The Pulitzer Center is offering grants for underreported stories in Sub-Saharan Africa. Proposals should focus on issues such as water and sanitation, land degradation and coastal erosion, education, maternal health, and climate resilience. APPLY HERE
24. Human rights defenders, journalists, others can apply for incident emergency fund: The Digital Defenders Partnership (DPP) is offering Incident Emergency Fund to human rights defenders, journalists, activists and organisations facing digital threats and attacks. APPLY HERE
25. Pulitzer Center has grants for data journalism projects: DEADLINE: ROLLING — The Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting is offering grants for innovative data-driven journalism projects that spotlight underreported issues. APPLY HERE
26. MDIF Ventures wants to invest in growing media companies: The Media Development Investment Fund (MDIF) Ventures wants to invest in young and growing media companies with a positive social impact and potential to scale. APPLY HERE
27. Women journalists can apply for IWMF Emergency Fund: Women journalists are invited to apply for the International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF) Emergency Fund. APPLY HERE

 

STORY PITCHES

Where to submit story pitches? No worries, we’ve got you! Check below for exciting offers.

1. Call for pitches: Climate Home News seeks stories on mineral supply chains: Journalists with at least three years’ experience can pitch original story ideas about the trends shaping supply chains for energy transition minerals and how to address their sustainability challenges. APPLY HERE
2. The Harbinger seeks agriculture, agritech, climate impact stories: The Harbinger seeks Agriculture, AgriTech & Climate impact stories from passionate writers, journalists, storytellers and researchers across the globe. APPLY HERE
3. Current Conservation seeks submissions; Current Conservation, a not-for-profit quarterly print and online magazine, is accepting articles, illustrations and photo essays. APPLY HERE
4. Pin Africa seeks pitches from African journalists, photographers and content creators: Pin Africa seeks pitches from African journalists, photographers and content creators passionate about positively elevating stories about the continent. APPLY HERE
5. Accountability Amplifiers Initiative seeks story pitches from campus journalists: DEADLINE: ROLLING — The Accountability Amplifiers Initiative seeks story pitches from campus journalists to investigate accountability and transparency issues at the subnational levels. APPLY HERE
6. Contributions needed on climate issues in Africa: Individuals and organisations passionate about shedding light on climate issues in relation to China’s development in Africa can apply for this project. APPLY HERE
7. Call for contributions: Chinese Energy Initiatives in Africa: The China-Global South Project (CGSP) seeks contributors to shed light on energy issues and projects related to Chinese energy initiatives in Africa. APPLY HERE
8. Submit pitches on clean energy supply chains: Climate Home News is currently accepting pitches for story ideas on clean energy supply chains. Journalists from all countries, with at least three years’ experience and fluent spoken and written English are welcome to apply. APPLY HERE
9. The Revelator seeks pitches on environmental issues: The Revelator is actively seeking both expert commentaries and freelance journalism related to environmental issues. APPLY HERE
10. IJNet seeks pitches on resources helpful to journalists: The International Journalists’ Network (IJNet) is accepting pitches related to journalism tools, apps or resources that can help journalists globally. Writers will be compensated US$200 per article. APPLY HERE
11. GIJN seeks contributors to write articles related to investigative journalism: The Global Investigative Journalism Network (GIJN) seeks contributors interested in writing articles related to investigative journalism. APPLY HERE
12. Mongabay Africa seeks pitches on climate change and land degradation: Mongabay Africa is offering paid reporting opportunities on stories focused on climate change and land degradation. APPLY HERE
13. BBC Africa Eye seeks pitches for investigative story ideas: BBC Africa Eye is currently accepting pitches for investigative story ideas. BBC Africa Eye is an investigative documentary programme that makes films from across the continent. APPLY HERE
14. The SolutionsPaper seeks stories related to religious and ethnic extremism: The SolutionsPaper is looking for solutions-oriented pitches on stories related to religious and ethnic extremism. APPLY HERE
15. Submit climate solutions pitches: The BBC Future Planet is looking for pitches on climate solutions for its Climate Guardians project. APPLY HERE
16. Social Voices wants pitches on health technologies, health and development: Social Voices invites journalists to submit pitches on how initiatives are tackling a health or development challenge. APPLY HERE
17. Mongabay seeks stories about Africa: Mongabay invites proposals from journalists for conventional news stories, in-depth features, investigative reports, profiles, and case studies. APPLY HERE
18. Rest of World seeks story pitches from Africa: Rest of World covers local stories with global relevance that explore the impact of technology on people and institutions outside the Western bubble. APPLY HERE
19. Journalists can submit pitches on technology in Africa, others: Rest of World invites journalists to submit pitches about technology in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. APPLY HERE