The Bristol Cable Media Lab is the Cable’s education, training and innovation arm.

The Media Lab’s first big project was a curriculum of free workshops that started in November 2016

***APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED***

Head here for details of the next Media Lab

Check out a video of this year’s programme and details of the course below. Find out about upcoming opportunities at our events page.

Find out more and apply by 8pm on 10th October 2016 for a place on this exclusive course below. Application form below.

What is the Bristol Cable?

Changing the ‘who, what and how’ of journalism.

Founded by volunteers inexperienced in journalism in 2014, the Cable is now owned and managed by more than 1,500 people in Bristol. Its ownership structure, challenging content and innovative use of multimedia is making a mark and helping to redefine journalism.

The Cable aims to bring important issues off the page and into people’s lives. Online, in print and on the street.

So what’s the programme?

Crack open the media with the Cable.

This programme is for people who see journalism as key to building a better world, but who may not have any previous experience. Trainers from the Guardian, the Centre for Investigative Journalism, the MediaWise Trust and the Bristol Cable will introduce you to the fundamentals of quality journalism.

You will work as a group and individually to apply the professional skills you’ve learnt. By the end of the programme you’ll be ready to take on dodgy businesses, challenge government, interview a range of people and do high quality research.

The programme is supported by the Centre for Investigative Journalism and the Cardiff Centre for Community Journalism. A certificate will be awarded to you upon completion of the programme.

What are the sessions?

Leading journalists show you the tools of the trade.

All sessions are designed for beginners. However, they will be challenging as you progress through different journalistic areas and skill types. You will be expected to complete all sessions, homework and other projects. Throughout the course you will be mentored and supported by professional trainers and Cable coordinators. Personal circumstances will be accommodated.

Do I need previous journalism experience or higher education qualifications?

No.

Do I need to have English as my first language?

No. You will, however, need a basic level of English. You will be supported throughout the course.

Do I need to pay?

No. It’s free to access. We can also help with travel and other costs so please mention this in your application.

So what do I need?

You need the enthusiasm and attitude that will see you through a challenging programme in full. You need a strong interest in social and community issues, locally and beyond. Most of all, you need a commitment to the principles of the Cable: to create and spread interesting ideas, to challenge the powerful and to work collaboratively in making the Cable a sustainable project.

How do I apply?

***APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED***

There are ten places available on this exclusive course. You should be able to commit to all eleven sessions and complete the course in full. Fill out this short application by 8pm on 10th October 2016.

The Course