GREAT Journalism Award: 10 days at the Financial Times in London
UKTI Australia announces this year’s GREAT journalism award for Australian business journalists, in conjunction with British Airways and the Financial Times
The GREAT journalism award gives the successful candidate the opportunity to work out of the Financial Times office in London for 10 days; to research and write business stories for an Australian news organisation.
Last year’s winner, Mike Smith, columnist at the Australian Financial Review said:
This is a unique opportunity for an Australian journalist to work in London for two weeks with access to the resources and great minds in the Financial Times newsroom. You are effectively a foreign correspondent … with the added bonus of having the backing of UK Trade and Investment which helped with introductions to contacts.
The wealth of material in London for an Australian audience meant there was no shortage of business stories to cover. While the winner will go into the placement with a range of story ideas, they will also find that new ideas and opportunities come up once they arrive. The FT newsroom is a great base in central London and the journalists there were happy to share their knowledge.
Nick McInnes, British Consul General and Director General UK Trade and Investment, Australia and New Zealand said:
I’m very pleased that we are again able to support this initiative which helps bring Australia and the UK closer together. The strong cultural, historical and sporting ties between our two countries are well documented. This initiative allows us to put the spotlight on our equally strong economic links and the modern relationship that exists through business, trade and investment. In 2014, the UK was Australia’s second most important foreign investment destination as well as the second largest investor in Australia.
Nicole Backo, Regional Commercial Manager for British Airways said:
We are the only European airline to be servicing the Australian market. We have been linking Australian business and leisure travellers with the UK for 80 years, which is why we are proud to be supporting the Business is GREAT journalism award for the fifth consecutive year.
We see great merit in the programme which provides a unique opportunity for journalists to further connect Australia and the UK.
The winner will travel to London Business Class with British Airways, flying in and out of Heathrow’s award-winning Terminal 5. Australian domestic flights, accommodation and subsistence will be covered by UK Trade & Investment.
Interested applicants are asked to send a proposal (maximum 2 pages), endorsed by their editor with stories they would like to write on the Australia-Britain business relationship to ukinsydney@fco.gov.uk together with a CV. Applications will close at 12 midnight, Sunday 10 January 2016. Applicants should read the guidance before making an application.
Further information:
Annie Galea
Head of Communication, UK Trade & Investment
annie.galea@mobile.ukti.gov.uk
02 8247 2274