NSF PA/M 02-32 - May 29, 2002
NSF Invites Media to Report on U.S.-Sponsored Antarctic
Research (2002-2003 Season)
Application Deadline: Friday, July 5, 2002
The National Science Foundation (NSF), manager of the
U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP), is accepting written
applications from professional journalists to visit
Antarctica during the 2002-2003 research season (early
November through mid-January).
NSF annually selects a small group of journalists,
representing diverse audiences, to make individual
visits to one or more of the three U.S. Antarctic
research stations -- McMurdo, Amundsen-Scott South
Pole and Palmer -- to report on NSF-sponsored scientific
research. Applicants must submit the equivalent of
two typed pages detailing specifically what they plan
to cover while in Antarctica. NSF public affairs officers
can help applicants to craft a proposed reporting
plan. Competition is intense for a very limited
number of slots and space on aircraft is severely
constrained. Logistical limitations make it nearly
impossible to modify reporting plans once in Antarctica.
A key selection criterion is USAP's ability to provide
the logistical support needed to carry out a specific
reporting plan. Reporters should be aware that the
ongoing reconstruction of NSF's South Pole station,
coupled with the need to give scientists and construction
cargo priority on a limited number of flights, may
prevent any media visits to the South Pole this season.
A selection committee of USAP science and logistics
personnel and media officers from NSF's Office of
Legislative and Public Affairs reviews all proposals
and selects finalists. The committee looks for proposals
that indicate an understanding of the nature and challenges
of NSF's scientific enterprise in Antarctica and the
desire to communicate that understanding to the public.
Applicants should focus on visiting a very limited
number of projects because transportation is highly
dependent on weather and delays are common. The time
reporters may spend on the continent must be tightly
coupled to their reporting. Proposals from print,
television, and radio journalists as well as from
online news operations are welcome. U.S. mass media
that serve primarily language-minority audiences also
are encouraged to apply.
NSF's Office of Polar Programs offers a separate
program to support artists and writers in Antarctica
whose primary form of expression is not journalistic.
For information see: http://www.nsf.gov/od/opp/aawr.htm,
or contact: Guy Guthridge, (703) 292-8033 / gguthrid@nsf.gov
Application: Focused applications with thorough
reporting plans that indicate solid working knowledge
of the U.S. Antarctic Program and its science goals
stand the best chance of selection. Feature film proposals
and general reporting about the Antarctic, travel,
or logistics are not given priority. U.S. media
receive preference in selection.
Expenses: Reporters or their employers pay for
round-trip transportation to -- and accommodation
in -- Christchurch, New Zealand (if travelling to
McMurdo or South Pole) or Punta Arenas, Chile (if
travelling to Palmer Station). Reporters must visit
NSF headquarters in Arlington, Va., at their own expense
for pre-trip planning. NSF furnishes at no cost cold-weather
clothing solely for use in the field as well as housing,
transportation and food in Antarctica.
Medical: Finalists must pass comprehensive physical
and dental exams conducted at their own expense by
their personal physicians and dentists and subject
to screening by the U.S. Antarctic Program. Certain
medical conditions may disqualify a candidate from
visiting Antarctica, even if selected as a media visitor.
How To Apply: Contact NSF (by phone or by e-mail)
as soon as possible to express interest and to discuss
areas of professional interest. Freelancers must supply
evidence of a firm commitment to publish or air their
work on their prospective employer's letterhead.
Send the letter and any supporting materials (such
as a limited number of clips or videotaped segments)
to:
National Science Foundation
Office of Legislative and Public Affairs
4201 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1245
Arlington, VA 22230
Attn: Peter West, (703) 292-8070/pwest@nsf.gov
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