NOFO: Bolstering Accurate, Impactful Reporting in Thailand

Specifically, participants will gain the ability to better analyze social media and other information streams and develop compelling story ideas and report on issues that matter or reflect marginalized voices that do not receive sufficient attention due to the budget constraints.

The grantee will also strengthen understanding of journalists’ civic responsibilities to foster broad discussion on issues of public importance, to probe beyond conventional narratives, and to abide by strong ethical standards with respect to truth and fairness, building resilience against attempts to coopt or skew reporting.

Program Objectives

• Thailand’s diverse media landscape is influenced by political, regulatory, and economic pressures, including the profit-driven nature of contemporary media.  Pressured to prioritize sensationalism over comprehensive or accurate reporting, news organizations may unwittingly expose their journalists to legal and other consequences in pursuit of sensational stories and gripping visuals, or blur the boundaries between editorial content and advertorials, eroding journalistic integrity.
• To improve ethical standards and media skills among reporters (including local journalists covering underserved communities), support their ability to do original reporting and research instead of relying on third-party sources, and strengthen networks between those reporters and Bangkok-based professional media organizations, mid-career journalists will participate in workshops or reporting tours to enhance reporting skills, media literacy, verification tools, and research capacity, thereby reducing their reliance on third-party sources (such as unverified social media) for content.
• The desired outcome is to strengthen Thai reporters’ capacity to investigate issues of public interest, distinguish facts from mis- or disinformation, and accurately assess the potential impact of geopolitical changes on Thailand. Through this, Thai decision-makers at both national and local levels will gain access to accurate reporting that reflects the views of people directly impacted by these changes, including marginalized voices.  Stronger media institutions will support democracy by fostering informed and constructive public dialogue and enable more people to participate meaningfully in democratic processes.
• The grantee will work with Thai media members and/or media organizations, a majority of which should represent media markets outside of the Bangkok metro area, to improve media literacy and professionalism through workshops, reporting tours, research trips, and other events to highlight issues that matter but might be underreported due to limited newsroom resources.

Funding Information

• Total available funding: $125,000.
• Award amounts: Awards may range from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum of $100,000.
• Length of performance period: 6 to 12 months.
• Number of awards anticipated: 2-5 awards (dependent on amounts).

Participants and Audiences

• Early- to mid-career Thai reporters working in print, broadcast and/or web, representing both established and independent media;
• Reporters from marginalized communities, or reporters dedicated to reporting on behalf of these communities;
• Mid-level and senior decision-makers at the national and sub-national level who consume media subject to misinformation, or do not currently access reliable, accurate reporting about the impact of geopolitical challenges on Thai people.

Eligibility Criteria

• The following organizations are eligible to apply:
  • Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society/non-governmental organizations or professional organizations.
  • Public and private educational institutions
  • Individual journalists or not-for-profit media collectives.
• To be eligible to receive an award, all organizations must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number.

For more information, visit U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Thailand.