CNN Academy Training Program: Storytelling for Impact 2025

The CNN academy aims to empower emerging storytellers from the Global South by providing them with the necessary tools and training to effectively tell stories that can create meaningful change. By fostering a diverse and inclusive global media landscape, the program helps ensure that the voices of the Global South are heard and understood in today’s fast-changing world.

From reporting on vaccine equity in Sub-Saharan Africa to humanitarian crises in conflict zones, to the resilience of frontline workers, this program will train you to find the stories that matter and tell them in depth, context and impact.

• Table of Content
• About CNN Academy
• Training Program 2025: Storytelling for Impact
• Requirements for Training Program 2025: Storytelling for Impact Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for Training Program 2025: Storytelling for Impact
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About CNN Academy

The CNN Academy Newsroom Simulation is a competitive challenge to investigate and report on a fictional breaking news story and has been designed in consultation with CNN journalists from around the world that puts journalism skills to the test in a realistic setting.

Training Program 2025: Storytelling for Impact

Application Deadline	23 Jun 2025
Type	Training
Sponsor	CNN Academy
Gender	Men and Women

Requirements for Training Program 2025: Storytelling for Impact Qualification

To be eligible for this media training opportunity, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Reside and work in a country located in the Global South which includes any developing country in Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa and Asia.
• Identify as a content creator, journalist, or storyteller in the early stages of their career.
• Have a portfolio of relevant work
• Possess strong communication skills and fluency in spoken and written English.
• Demonstrate a commitment to actively participating in the entire training program and applying the acquired skills to their reporting projects.
• Be able and willing to travel to Abu Dhabi for the CNN Academy Simulation in November 2025

Interview date, Process and Venue for Training Program 2025: Storytelling for Impact

Program Structure

Phase One: Virtual Training: From July to October 1st, 2025

The first phase of the program is delivered entirely online through the CNN Academy Hub. During this phase, participants will engage in a series of courses designed to enhance their storytelling skills and deepen their understanding of global issues, particularly those affecting the Global South. 

To be considered for Phase Two, participants must complete and pass all the required courses, earn the necessary badges, and submit a pitch for a piece you want to produce using the skills learned in the program.

Phase Two: In-Person Training and Simulation : November 2025, Abu Dhabi

Phase Two begins with hands-on training in Abu Dhabi, where participants will focus on mobile journalism techniques and storytelling practices, learning from CNN Academy’s expert trainers. 

They will then participate in the 2025 CNN Academy Simulation, which will center on global health reporting. This high-pressure, real-world simulation will provide participants with the opportunity to apply their skills in a dynamic news environment while producing impactful stories.

Application Deadline

June 23, 2025

How to Apply

Interested and qualified? Go to CNN Academy on academy.cnn.com to apply

• To apply for Phase One, you will need to submit a brief application verifying your eligibility, including your background and why you are perfect for this course. If your application is successful, you will gain access to the virtual courses and work toward earning your certificate of completion.

If you are chosen to apply for Phase Two, you will be required to submit:
• Samples of your previous work.
• Proof of your origin from a country in the Global South (defined as countries in Africa, Latin America, Asia, and the Pacific, as well as certain regions of the Caribbean).

• Once you have completed and passed all the required courses, you will be prompted to upload a story pitch for a piece you want to produce using the skills learned in the program. This pitch should reflect a global issue relevant to the Global South, demonstrate a deep understanding of the subject matter, and be realistic in terms of execution on the ground.

Final Deliverable

• After completing the simulation, you will return to your home country and work on producing your final story.
• The completed piece must be submitted by January 31st, 2026.
• A select number of stories will be showcased on CNN’s linear and digital platforms, offering participants the opportunity to share their work with a global audience.

For more details, visit CNN Academy Program webpage