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The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) considers requests from professional journalists to visit Antarctica during each field season to report on its research.
A limited number of print, radio, and television journalists visit British Antarctic Survey’s research stations during the austral summer. Visits usually last a minimum of two weeks at the Rothera Research station, but can be considerably longer if the visit incorporates time on ships or visits to Signy, Bird Island or Halley stations.
Planning Antarctic operations is complex; matching scientific requirements with limited logistics capabilities takes many months. Media bids are considered during the planning process and early submission of proposals is necessary. Some bids may be held over until future field seasons.
Written requests for the 2012/13 season must be received by Friday 11 May 2012.
Applicants should be well respected in their field and have proven experience and skills to deliver the proposed product.
Journalists must supply evidence from editors of a firm commitment to publish or broadcast their proposed work from a publication or media outlet, on company letterhead. Requests will be reviewed by the BAS Board in July/August.
Journalists are responsible for developing their own reporting plan in conjunction with the BAS Press, PR & Education Office. Journalists will not be able to pre-empt the publication of scientific papers in learned journals. Journalists who are selected are required to visit BAS for substantial background briefings before travelling to Antarctica.
Reporters pay for their travel from UK to the Falkland Islands (arranged through BAS). A fee is payable to the Survey for the loan of cold weather clothing. BAS provides accommodation, transportation and food in Antarctica, without cost to journalists. In addition, reporters visit BAS at their own expense for pre-trip planning.
Journalists will be required to undergo a comprehensive medical examination by their own doctor and at their own expense.
On completion of the project media visitors will be required to deposit copies of the resulting material with BAS for its own educational purposes.
Interested journalists should call BAS as soon as possible to express initial interest in travelling to Antarctica. They should then outline their targeted proposal in a short, concise letter, preferably no longer than two pages. Send the letter and any supporting materials (such as press cuttings/radio or video tapes) to:
Athena Dinar
Senior PR and Communications Manager
British Antarctic Survey
High Cross
Madingley Road
Cambridge CB3 0ET
© NERC-BAS 2007