CNN enlists top journalism students for iReport initiative

Launching in time for the 2010/11 academic year*, university will enable students from respected journalism schools around the world to forge a relationship with CNN for one year.

"The ability to find a good story is the start of good journalism, the aim of our initiative is to offer practical experience to better equip today's most promising journalism students to move seamlessly into the world of reporting and producing once they have graduated," says Lila King, director of participation for CNN.com.

"They may want to tell us about big events being discussed locally, or broader issues that are being debated with a regional focus. We want to hear insightful, different and exciting stories that communicate the real feeling of a place," she adds.

Nurturing tomorrow's talent

Katherine Green, senior vice president for programming, CNN International, adds: "This promises to be an exciting and innovative CNN iReport initiative to nurture the talent of tomorrow."

CNN is inviting up to five final-year students from each selected journalism school to become one of its global Student iReporters by undertaking an application process. If successful, they will be invited to share and discuss story ideas they believe should be covered from their country or community to the dedicated CNN iReport University site.

Throughout the programme, CNN 's editorial team will provide feedback on all story ideas pitched, to ensure valuable advice and guidance is received on how best to develop a strong pitch.

* Countries in the Southern Hemisphere, which have already begun their academic year, will also begin in September running until the conclusion of their academic year. The programme will start up for those countries again - for the full length - at the beginning of the next academic year.