MEDIA
BRUCE JESSON WRITING FUND OFFERS NZ$3000

A fund aimed at fostering more in-depth journalism on New Zealand public issues has been set up by the Bruce Jesson Foundation.

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A fund aimed at fostering more in-depth journalism on New Zealand public issues has been set up by the Bruce Jesson Foundation.

The fund will provide up to $3000 a year to writers aiming to produce the kind of critical and analytical journalism that appeared under Jesson's byline in Metro magazine, in books and in The Republican.

The foundation is also seeking to raise additional sponsorship so it can make bigger grants in future. It sees journalism schools as potential partners in a joint fund.

Established after Jesson's death in 1999, the foundation is chaired by former NZ Prime Minister David Lange. In a statement, Lange says the fund's criteria are non-political and non-sectarian:

"Many people – journalists, academics, students, workers and people in all walks of life – have ideas for this kind of work, but can't afford to take the time off paid work, or need help with the cost of phone calls, books or travel.”

Full details are being sent to journalism schools around the country.

* The © Dylan Horrocks cartoon of David Lange appeared in NZ Political Review, marking Lange's inaugural Bruce Jesson Memorial Lecture. It has been republished with permission.
www.brucejesson.com