Introduction

Do you come from a developing nation and are a budding journalist or storyteller? Do you have aspirations of enhancing your broadcast and multimedia storytelling abilities and communicating the tales of your community to a worldwide audience? The 2025 Training Program offered by CNN Academy is a fully sponsored, highly effective path. Talented voices from the Global South may shine with this program, which offers comprehensive online education and practical newsroom simulations in Abu Dhabi. Are you prepared to improve your tales? Now let’s go specific.

What Is CNN Academy?

Mission & Reach

CNN Academy nurtures talent across the globe, training journalists and storytellers through immersive workshops, simulations, and masterclasses led by CNN correspondents academy.cnn.com+7academy.cnn.com+7seajunction.org+7facebook.com+4opportunitiesforafricans.com+4academy.cnn.com+4academy.cnn.com+5academy.cnn.com+5academy.cnn.com+5facebook.comacademy.cnn.com+2academy.cnn.com+2opportunitiesforafricans.com+2academy.cnn.com+2seajunction.org+2opportunitiesforafricans.com+2.

Core Learning Formats

• Online Courses

• In‑Person Simulations (e.g., Dublin, Abu Dhabi)

• Masterclasses & Workshops with CNN experts .

Focus on Developing Countries Program 2025

Who It Targets

Aimed at early‑career journalists or creators living and working in the Global South—Latin America, Africa, Asia, or the Caribbean x.com+8academy.cnn.com+8seajunction.org+8.

Supported by Gates Foundation

This edition is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, focusing on health, humanitarian storytelling, and community impact .

Program Structure

Phase 1 – Online Learning (Jul–Oct 2025)

Complete e‑learning modules via the CNN Academy Hub covering journalism fundamentals and story pitching for global health & social issues x.com+8academy.cnn.com+8academy.cnn.com+8.

Phase 2 – Abu Dhabi Simulation (Nov 2025)

Selected participants gather in Abu Dhabi for a high‑intensity simulation experience focused on multimedia and mobile storytelling, under CNN guidance academy.cnn.com+2academy.cnn.com+2academy.cnn.com+2.

Eligibility & Selection Criteria

• Must reside/work in a Global South country in Latin America, Africa, the Caribbean, or Asia x.com+4academy.cnn.com+4opportunitiesforafricans.com+4.

• Identifies as a journalist, content creator, or storyteller, early in their career seajunction.org+2academy.cnn.com+2opportunitiesforafricans.com+2.

• Portfolio required, with strong English communication.

• Must commit to both phases and can travel to Abu Dhabi opportunitiesforafricans.com+2academy.cnn.com+2seajunction.org+2.

Application Process

• Submit a brief application explaining your background and motivation.

• If selected, you’ll access the online platform and work toward e‑learning badges and story pitches academy.cnn.com+3academy.cnn.com+3opportunitiesforafricans.com+3.

• Deadline: June 23 2025 academy.cnn.com+6academy.cnn.com+6seajunction.org+6.

Curriculum & Training Formats

E‑Learning via CNN Academy Hub

Participants complete modules on journalism fundamentals online linkedin.com+5academy.cnn.com+5academy.cnn.com+5.

Workshops & Masterclasses

Led by CNN journalists, covering topics like AI reporting, mobile storytelling, and multimedia techniques academy.cnn.com.

Real‑Time News Simulations

High-pressure, real-time newsroom simulations during Phase 2, designed to reflect real global crisis coverage academy.cnn.com+3academy.cnn.com+3seajunction.org+3.

Locations & Logistics

• Phase 1 fully virtual—accessible from anywhere.

• Phase 2 takes place in Abu Dhabi, covering travel, accommodation, and local transport—fully funded seajunction.org+2academy.cnn.com+2academy.cnn.com+2.

Funding & Benefits

• Fully funded (online + travel + housing in Abu Dhabi).

• Direct training from CNN journalists and access to global networks.

• Opportunity to pitch final projects and connect with mentors.

Deliverables & Outcomes

• Submit a story pitch during Phase 1 to qualify for Phase 2.

• Submit a final multimedia story after returning home by Jan 31, 2026 seajunction.org+2academy.cnn.com+2opportunitiesforafricans.com+2.

• Selected stories featured across CNN media channels, amplifying your voice globally.

Past Alumni Stories & Feedback

• Participants praise the simulations as “phenomenal learning” and “mind‑blowing” .

• Alumni describe newfound storytelling power and global exposure.

FAQs

1. Is this fully funded?
   Yes—covers all learning, travel, and accommodation in Abu Dhabi .

2. Do I need to know CNN’s newsroom system?
   No. The program teaches everything from the ground up.

3. Can I apply if I already work as a journalist?
   Yes—as long as you’re early in your career and in the Global South opportunitiesforafricans.comacademy.cnn.com+1opportunitiesforafricans.com+1.

4. What types of stories are prioritized?
   Focus is on global health, humanitarian issues, and solutions with community impact.

5. When must I submit my final story?
   Final submissions are due by Jan 31, 2026 .

Conclusion

The 2025 Training Program for the Global South offered by CNN Academy is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to improve your storytelling abilities, obtain practical newsroom experience, and have your work seen by people all around the world. This is your chance if you’re a motivated young journalist or content producer eager to make an impression. Apply by June 23rd, participate in the simulation and online stages, and get ready to share experiences that have an impact both locally and internationally.

Apply now and let your voice shape tomorrow’s narratives.