Our Story

Newsreel Academy was founded in 2021 to offer an alternative to traditional journalism, which has failed to bridge the empathy gap in our societies and has, instead, exacerbated it. The concept of people-centric journalism using storytelling as a tool felt like the need of the hour.

At Newsreel Academy, our objective is clear — to cultivate a community of journalists and communication specialists from civil society organisations, both young and seasoned, who share a common vision and passion for people-centric journalism and storytelling.

Commencing with the first on-ground fellowship in April 2021, just before the onset of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, we swiftly transitioned to the online mode, an arrangement that persists to this day.

Our training has attracted participants from India and across South Asia, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal. A diverse cohort, comprising journalism students, working journalists, individuals from the social sector and film enthusiasts, contributes to the vibrant fabric of our learning community.

We also incorporate shorter duration workshops alongside our existing programs, catering specifically to working professionals seeking to refine their storytelling skills. Collaborative efforts with media institutions in India and abroad are on the horizon, aimed at injecting diversity, variety, and rigour into our teaching modules.

Our engagement extends beyond training; we maintain connections with our Alumni through our online Newsreel Academy alumni group and annual in-person alumni meets. In the grander scheme, Newsreel Academy aspires to evolve into an institution that serves as a dynamic platform for learning through sharing and engagement.