Simon Cumbers Media Fund relaunched 20 years after Navan native and BBC reporter was killed in Saudi Arabia
The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, has relaunched the Simon Cumbers Media Fund, which supports journalists and media organisations to report on issues of global development.
The announcement comes on the 20th anniversary of the death of the Navan native journalist who was killed while working for the BBC in Saudi Arabia on in June 2004.
The Tánaiste said: “The Simon Cumbers Media Fund played a vital role in supporting journalists in Ireland to report on some of the biggest challenges facing our world. Having been paused during the pandemic, we are delighted to today announce the relaunch of the fund. It is particularly fitting to relaunch the fund today on the 20th anniversary of Simon’s death. The fund is a fitting tribute to his memory.”
Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Seán Fleming TD, said: “The Simon Cumbers Media Fund supports public discussion and understanding of global issues. It has never been more important for people to be equipped with information to help them understand the world in which they live. By relaunching the Simon Cumbers Media Fund, we will support journalists to report on big issues such as climate change, human rights and ongoing efforts to improve healthcare and education globally.”
Bronagh Cumbers, Simon’s mother, said: "Today brings back the great memories of Simon who had his life cut short while doing the work he loved for the BBC. I miss his booming voice about the house as he recalled his many adventures travelling the world and his telephone calls from faraway places. The Simon Cumbers Media Fund has played a very important part in keeping his memory fresh in the minds of his colleagues and has assisted hundreds of journalists and students since it was launched in 2005. I am very grateful to Irish Aid for supporting the Fund in Simon's memory."
An information session for prospective applicants to the 2024 round of the fund takes place on Wednesday 28th August via Zoom.