The Hoot is looking for mid-level journalists or academic researchers to  do short term  research stints as fellows in the first half of 2017. Those employed could use the opportunity to work on  specific areas relating to their beat, and publish stories for the organisations where they work.

Areas in which fellowships will be offered are the following:

• Policy research relating to current internet governance issues. These could fall under the purview of the  Telecom Regulatory Authority of India or the Department of Information Technology.

• Research relating to the updating of the Information Technology Act.  How is the government planning to address inadequacies in  the current law.

• Free speech related research and documentation in specific subject areas. Field research in  parts  of the country where free speech challenges prevail.

• Research on media ownership that will contribute to a searchable database.

Journalists from English, Hindi and regional media are invited to apply with specific short term research proposals relating to the  above areas.

The fellowship amount is Rs 60,000 for work done over a six to eight week period, including travel costs.

Please apply with a proposal and your name, work experience, place of work, current reporting beat, and a reference. Please provide links to previous writing on these issues.

Fellows will be expected to talk to officials and experts within and outside government,  to reflect concerns of government, regulatory bodies, social media platforms  and civil society in the above areas, and produce reporting and analysis for the media outlet they work for. Their reports will also be carried on The Hoot.

The media ownership research is intended for use on the Hoot. Only journalists familiar with use of the Registrar of Companies database should apply.  (thehoot.org)