Forum Freelance Fund competition re-opens

September 01, 2020 Editor News bursariescanadian journalism forum on violence and traumaforum freelance fund

After suspending its 2020 competition due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Forum Freelance Fund has now re-opened for applications. The fund offers bursaries of up to $2500 to help Canadian freelancers -- and foreign freelancers working for Canadian media -- pay for hostile environment training.

The new deadline for the FFF is September 14, 2020.

The re-opened competition has longer periods during which courses must be chosen and taken, adjustments that were made to accommodate the complications caused by the pandemic. Winners will have up to 18 months to choose a course, and another 6 months to complete it. Bursaries must first be applied to course fees. The remainder can be used for travel costs.

There is also a separate new competition this year that is offering smaller bursaries for virtual safety courses. There are at least 15 bursaries of $400 available for virtual training courses. Applications for these new mini-bursaries will be awarded on a continuing basis until the funding runs out.

For more information on either of these bursary competitions, see the Forum Freelance Fund website.

Review: Two books that will boost your storytelling skills

August 26, 2020 Editor Advice advicebook reviewstorytelling

by Michael StricklandAn increase in my pulse rate accompanies the uptick in my attention. I missed that the first time, in the fall of 2019. Now, less than a year later, I’m watching for the subtlest of changes.I sit up a little bit straighter, pajama-clad legs pushing against the familiar couch cushions, as I brace for a change in my…

Are you having a CERB summer?

August 19, 2020 Editor News cerbcovid-19freelance compensationfreelance life

by Steven Threndyle It will soon be Labour Day and, as the vast majority of public health officials predicted back in March, COVID-19 is still going strong.One thing that will end is the $2000 per month Canadian Emergency Relief Benefit (CERB), a massive injection of federal money that was dispensed to just about any worker who lost their job or…

Halifax freelancer’s firing an unfortunate reminder to watch what you tweet

August 14, 2020 Editor News cbc freelancerssocial mediatrouble spots

An incident in Halifax this week is a sad reminder to freelancers everywhere of the dangers of social media.A long-time freelance arts reporter had their radio columns at CBC canceled over a crude tweet about the son of Nova Scotia premier Stephen McNeil.CBC has in place Code of Conduct and Social Media policies that have been criticized as being…

Pandemic University Offers Special Discount to CFG Members

August 09, 2020 Editor Event cfgpandemic university

If you're looking for some professional development during the last few weeks of summer, you might want to browse the writing webinars available online through Pandemic University.It's a pop-up writing school for, and by, locked-down and quarantined writers. They’re offering suites of short and affordable creative writing classes online.By…

The Born Freelancer on Knowing When to Leave the Party

August 05, 2020 Editor Advice adviceborn freelancercovid-19the born freelancer

This series of posts by the Born Freelancer shares personal experiences and thoughts on issues relevant to freelancers. Have something to add to the conversation? We’d love to hear from you in the comments. In my last column I wrote about using the current crisis as a catalyst for change by moving into freelancing.Today I want to explore…

People before protons: How to pitch a science story

July 28, 2020 Editor Advice advicescience writingwriting advice

by Monte Stewart[caption id="attachment_16858" align="alignright" width="276"] Yasmin Tayag, Tim Lougheed, Leah Geller and Mark Lowey[/caption]Tim Lougheed has been guarding his secret for years.If he has his way, editors will never pry it out of him.“To other people, I will call myself a science writer,” he said. “If I’m selling a story, I…

WEBINAR: Making the Most of Your Interviews (on any media platform)

July 26, 2020 Editor Event eventinterviewingwebinar

For Paul McLaughlin, calling an interview a success comes down to just one thing."It's very simple. It's if I've accomplished my goals," he says.McLaughlin, one of Canada's most experienced interviewing trainers and author of the book, Asking Questions: The Art of the Media Interview, says knowing what you need is one of the keys to scoring a good…

Rory Peck Awards open for submissions

July 16, 2020 Editor Event awardsfreelance awards

Freelance video journalists living anywhere in the world can now submit their work for the 2020 Rory Peck Awards.The awards come with a cash prize and focus on international news and current affairs, with one category dedicated specifically to local journalists and field producers. Work submitted must have been broadcast in the past year.The awards…

WEBINAR: Pitching for Success - Sell That Story!

June 23, 2020 Editor Event adviceeventpitchingwebinar

You have the story. You know you can write it and deliver it. But how to get the editor’s attention—and a green light to proceed? CFG Founding Member Sandra Phinney will take you on a journey down the freelance “pitching for success” path in Pitching for Success - Sell That Story. This workshop will cover: today’s most common complaints…