Media Studies Grant

The Media Studies Grant 2026, administered by the Media Studies Commission of the International Federation of Television Archives (FIAT/IFTA), is designed to support small-scale academic research projects focused on broadcast archives. FIAT/IFTA is a global organization dedicated to the preservation and valorization of audiovisual heritage. Through this grant initiative, the commission seeks to foster innovative, interdisciplinary scholarship that engages critically with the evolving role of audiovisual archives in society, while also contributing directly to the needs and practices of archival professionals, especially within the FIAT/IFTA member community. This funding opportunity offers a total of €7,000 ($8,330 USD), with two individual grants of up to €3,500 ($4,130 USD) each. Budgets of more than €3,500 ($4,130 USD) may be requested and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Researchers are encouraged to propose work that intersects with one or more of the following thematic domains: the public service value of audiovisual archives, the role of archives in shaping memory and identity, precarity within archival institutions, and the unique context of audiovisual archives in Latin America. While these are priority themes, proposals that fall outside these areas may still be considered if they convincingly demonstrate how they contribute to archival practice and align with FIAT/IFTA’s mission. Eligibility is open to both junior (including PhD students) and senior researchers affiliated with a university or research institution. Applicants from all global regions are encouraged to apply, with an explicit interest in promoting participation from outside Europe. Each project should be small in scale and completed within a 3–5 month timeframe, with final deliverables due by December 1, 2026. Research outputs must include a scholarly report tailored to an archival professional audience, a presentation at the FIAT/IFTA World Conference (October 6–9, 2026 in São Paulo, Brazil), and a short promotional video. Additional creative outputs such as audiovisual essays or interactive media are welcomed, provided no copyright restrictions hinder distribution. The application deadline is March 15, 2026. Applications must be submitted in PDF format and emailed to [email protected]. Proposals must not exceed 1,000 words and should include a project description, articulation of relevance to the FIAT/IFTA community, expected outputs, a workplan, and budget breakdown. Letters of support from relevant archives (especially those providing source materials) and thesis supervisors (for PhD applicants) are required. Awarded researchers must sign a funding agreement with FIAT/IFTA and maintain ongoing communication on their progress with the Media Studies Commission. Budgets may cover a wide range of research-related costs, including travel, accommodation, teaching release time, and technical resources. Senior researchers may allocate funds to hire assistants, though they retain full responsibility for the final outputs. Importantly, the grant budget must include travel costs to the 2026 FIAT/IFTA World Conference, although the registration fee will be waived. Selected projects will be featured on the FIAT/IFTA website, and grant recipients may be invited to participate in online dissemination events or promotional interviews. All outputs must acknowledge FIAT/IFTA’s support and be made available for use and access by the organization.

Emphasize impact on archival practice and relevance to FIAT/IFTA member archives. Tailor outputs to both scholarly and practitioner audiences.