The Media Program is currently not open for applications.

Visits to Antarctica

Journalists and other media professionals can apply to travel to Antarctica to report on the work of the Australian Antarctic Program. 

Only a limited number of applications are successful and supportable each year.

The aim of the Media Program is to engage broad audiences in Australia’s scientific and operational activities in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean through multiple media channels.

Journalists and media proferssionals may contact the Australian Antarctic Division's media team to express interest and discuss proposed projects.

Individual representatives and/or media organisations may submit applications.

The Media Program does not support feature film proposals.

The Australian Antarctic Media Program is not currently open for applications.

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Application process

Applications are made using an online application form.

Applications need to address the selection criteria:

1. Clearly define story ideas or a targeted proposal. Scientific research projects in Antarctic may be different from year to year which can influence which stories can be covered.
2. Detail the target audience, with preference given to significant Australian audiences across a variety of media platforms (web, broadcast, print, social media).
3. Demonstrate knowledge of Australia’s engagement with Antarctica and the research undertaken within the Australian Antarctic Program.
4. Demonstrate strong capabilities, professional reputation and track record of the applicant with supporting evidence if necessary. Individual applicants must attach documented support from their media organisation and a current curriculum vitae.
5. Detail the number of people in the reporting team. Operational and logistical commitments means no more than three people will be able to be supported.

Firm commitments in writing from editors or broadcasters to publish or broadcast the proposed work must be lodged as attachments. Supporting material must be provided electronically (via a website link or file upload).

Successful applicants will work with the AAD Media Team to refine their project specifications. Given the complexity of planning projects in Antarctica, applicants will need to be very flexible.

Inclusions and requirements

Successful applicants will be supported with flights to Australia’s Wilkins Aerodrome near Casey research station or berths on its icebreaker, RSV Nuyina. Both depart from Hobart. Tasmania.

Media visits can last from one week to several weeks if incorporating time on the ship. The trip may include a visit to Casey, Davis or Mawson research stations or sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island.

Media Program participants are responsible for their own transport to and from Hobart and any accommodation costs incurred prior to departure for Antarctica and on return.

The AAD will provide transport to and from Antarctica, as well as accommodation and food while on the trip. It will also provide an Antarctic cold weather clothing kit, which includes inner, mid and outer layer clothing and footwear.

Successful applicants will be required to attend pre-departure training and briefings at the AAD in Hobart.

The AAD does not provide insurance cover for the loss/damage of equipment or personal effects.

The AAD will require participating media organisations to enter into an Access and Support Agreement.

Every effort will be made to provide all the necessary support for successful applicants but Media Program participants must be aware that weather and operational events and constraints may limit opportunities at times.

The originator of any work resulting from the Media Program will retain full copyright over the work. Successful applicants are required to enter into an agreement with the Australian Antarctic Division to:

• Provide a copy of images or vision obtained during travel to and from and while in Antarctica.
• Provide a copy of printed, published or broadcast work.
• Agree to the use of any such material for the Australian Antarctic Division's own non-commercial purposes.
• Agree to acknowledge the Australian Antarctic Division in credits and promotional material. In the case of TV programs or other screened material this means a full screen acknowledgement as outlined in any signed contract.

Medical

Medical examinations are required by all people travelling to Antarctica. These examinations are generally carried out by the Government Medical Officer or equivalent in your local area. The cost of the medical examination is around $1,000 and is at the expense of the applicant.

Some medical conditions preclude travel to Antarctica with our program. Please ensure you have read and understood the medical checklist. You will be required to complete this form should you be successful. Please contact the Polar Medicine Unit at polarmedscreening@aad.gov.au if you have any questions about the screening process.

Successful applicants may be required to undergo a National Police History Check and complete a non-disclosure agreement.

Participants in the Media Program will need to follow the command structure of the Australian Antarctic Division aircraft, ship and station and comply with Australian Work Health and Safety legislation. Environmental impacts may also need to be specially considered for some types of projects.

Evaluation

Applicants are assessed on a competitive basis by a selection panel against the criteria and supporting evidence. The selection panel will make a recommendation to the Head of the Australian Antarctic Division. The decision of the Head of Division is final.

Further information

If you would like to discuss the Media Program further, please contact the media team.

Email: media@antarctica.gov.au