Generation 2026: Youth Media Forward Initiative

Author - Centre for Sport and Human Rights

🚨 Applications for the first cohort of youth journalists, getting underway in September, are now closed.

The Centre for Sport and Human Rights launched its “Generation 2026: Youth Media Forward Initiative” in December 2023. 

Journalists play an important role shining a light on the local and international human rights dimensions of sport and major sporting events. Through the initiative, youth journalists based in four of the FIFA World Cup 2026 host cities - Guadalajara; Toronto; New York City / New Jersey; and Los Angeles - will receive:

• Training on reporting the human rights dimensions of sport and ensuring responsible reporting practices
• Opportunities to submit stories for publication, through partnerships with media outlets
• Interactive sessions with leaders from the media industry
• And the opportunity to be helping to inform and shape the future of sports media, with a focus on stories that advance human rights 

"As a sports journalist I can’t wait for this program to get started as more young journalists in Canada, the U.S. and Mexico elevate important stories, shift dominant narratives of sport and give more attention to human rights."
Shireen Ahmed, CBC Sports

"There aren’t many of us doing this work. Diversifying newsrooms is critical for addressing persisting inequalities within the sports landscape. Working in communities with the next generation is so important to expand opportunities in sports journalism ."
Miriam Walker-Khan, Sky Sports

"The Youth Media Forward initiative is an exciting opportunity for youth journalists. They will have the chance to report on ways that sport breaks barriers and can be a force for change, and to pose questions to decision-makers involved in hosting major sporting events. Through the initiative they will be helping shape the future of sports, and of journalism."
Soledad O’Brien, founder of Soledad O’Brien Productions