PRESS RELEASE

PMA launches 2026 Global and Trainer Grants – applications now open!

4 November 2025 

The Public Media Alliance (PMA) is proud to announce the launch of its enhanced 2026 Global Grants and Trainer Grants schemes – two transformative opportunities designed to strengthen public media through international collaboration, skills and knowledge exchange, and targeted training.

Building on the success of the 2025 programme, which supported 26 public broadcasters across 24 countries, the 2026 grants continue PMA’s mission to foster innovation, inclusion, and resilience in public service media.

This year, with support from the Grace Wyndham Goldie (BBC) Trust Fund, we are offering eight Global Grants of up to £2,000 each to staff from PMA member organisations. These grants allow for a single member of staff to travel to another public media organisation internationally, to learn, to exchange and build their networks.

Additionally, we also invite submissions to our Trainer Grant scheme. Now in its third year, this scheme has grown to provide additional funding for online or in person training for multiple projects across our membership. Find out more below.

Learning across borders 

For over 20 years the PMA Global Grant scheme has enabled mid-career professionals to travel internationally for one to two weeks to another PMA member organisation. These exchanges support media or research projects, capacity building, and skills development, with a priority for those that demonstrate a clear benefit to the grantee’s home organisation and society.

In 2025, grantees explored topics ranging from Indigenous youth engagement in Sweden, and Investigative Reporting in Australia to digital archiving in Malaysia.

Daren, Studios Co-ordinator of Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation reflected, “I’m looking forward to applying what I’ve learned to create a more modern working environment and deliver quality content to our viewers.” His visit to Namibia coincided with the inauguration of the country’s first female president, offering a unique lens into live broadcast operations and studio management. 

Amirah, Head of Support and System Solution Section of Production Operations Centre at RTM, Malaysia, visited NHK in Japan to explore strategies for engaging younger audiences through digital platforms. “The exchange gave me a deeper understanding of how NHK tailors content for youth while maintaining public service values,” she said. “I’m excited to bring these insights back to RTM and help shape our digital outreach in ways that resonate with Malaysia’s diverse young audiences.” 

Mark, Head of Digital Platforms at Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), visited the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) to explore digital content distribution, community engagement, and licensing strategies. “I loved the energy of the team; they were all willing to learn from me as much as I was learning from them,” he shared. 

Targeted capacity building

The PMA Trainer Grants provide funding for multiple projects for PMA members to host international trainers to deliver bespoke workshops on topics such as misinformation, journalist safety, and AI in the newsroom. In 2025, the Responsible AI for Pacific Media workshop reached 11 public broadcasters across the region, while Radio Cayman benefited from tailored coaching in radio broadcasting skills, and ABC and CBC/Radio-Canada exchanged expertise on archiving for Indigenous content.   

Application procedure:

Applications for the 2026 scheme open on Tuesday 4th November and close Tuesday 16th December. Eligible applicants must be employed by a PMA member organisation for at least two years and propose a creative, well-researched project that aligns with PMA’s objectives and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Selection will consider regional and gender balance. 

“These grants are more than travel opportunities – they’re catalysts for change. The stories from 2025 show how cross-cultural exchange can spark innovation, build lasting partnerships, and elevate public media’s role in society.”  – Keiran Turner, PMA’s Partnerships & Development Officer. 

For more information, eligibility criteria, and to apply for the Global Grants or Trainer Grants, visit the PMA Global Grants page.