The Independent is proud to announce the launch of the Rupert Cornwell Award for 2025, a prestigious bursary designed to champion the next generation of journalistic talent. This initiative offers a unique and invaluable opportunity for an aspiring journalist to kickstart their career.
The winner will receive a significant financial bursary of £5,000 to support their work and development. Crucially, the award also includes a paid placement within The Independent's renowned newsroom, providing hands-on experience at one of the world's leading media organisations.
Honouring a Journalism Legend
The award is a tribute to the late Rupert Cornwell, a giant of foreign reporting whose career with The Independent spanned decades. Cornwell was the paper's esteemed Foreign Correspondent and later its Washington Bureau Chief, where his insightful analysis and authoritative writing set the standard for international journalism.
Christian Broughton, The Independent’s Director, stated: "Rupert was the definition of a great foreign correspondent – intelligent, authoritative, and a beautiful writer. This award seeks to find a new reporter with the same curiosity and talent, helping them to build their career and report on the issues that matter."
How to Apply for the Bursary
Aspiring journalists are invited to submit their application for this life-changing opportunity. The process involves:
- Writing a news story of no more than 800 words on an international topic.
- Submitting a covering letter that outlines your passion for journalism and why you are the ideal candidate for the award.
The winning entry will be selected by a panel of senior editors from The Independent, ensuring the highest standard of judgement. The application deadline is 5pm on Friday, February 28, 2025.
This award is more than just a bursary; it is a gateway to the industry, created to honour the legacy of one of Britain's finest journalists by nurturing the talent of tomorrow.
