Current Openings:
- Fellowships, The Florida Independent
- Editor, The Florida Independent
- Editor, The American Independent
Fellowships, The Florida Independent
Overview
The American Independent News Network (AINN) investigates and disseminates news that impacts public debate and advances the common good. To accomplish its mission, AINN operates an independent online news network. An informed citizenry is a fundamental principle of civil society and American democracy; in the words of the Supreme Court in Garrison v. Louisiana: “Speech concerning public affairs is more than self-expression; it is the essence of self government.” Our reporting emphasizes the positive role of democratically elected government in securing the common good and social welfare, and the continuing benefits of our founding culture of egalitarian government by the people, for the people.
The American Independent News Network will be launching its Independent Journalist Training Program this spring in Florida with the launch of The Florida Independent. Fellows selected to participate in the program will generate “impact journalism” with reporting that demonstrably affects the public debate and advances the public good. This goal will be achieved through a combination of aggressive investigative reporting and tenacious, insightful blogging.
The term of the fellowship is three months, with the possibility of renewal once the term expires. Fellows must be based in Florida and have an intimate knowledge and understanding of politics and issues within the state. Proficiency in Spanish is a plus.
Applicants are judged on the quality of their previous writing; the relevance of their professional background, both past and present; their dedication to the journalistic pursuit of informing the public, and affinity for AINN’s mission. Applicants will also be chosen based on the importance of their writings’ focus and how their focus brings ideological diversity to the media.
Fellows Receive:
- A stipend of $4,500 to be paid over 3 months
- A weekend training seminar from experts in the field of blogging and investigative journalism
- Guidance from a full-time in-state editor who will work directly with each Fellow and lead the team
- Direction from AINN’s experienced editorial staff
- Promotion of your best work by AINN, including possible media bookings in local, state and national media
Fellowship Expectations:
- Research and write at least 10 blog posts and one 700- to 800-word article each week
- Break stories that frequently achieve demonstrable impact, creating tangible effects and changes for the common good in the public sphere
- Adhere to the program’s journalistic code of ethics
- Participate in all trainings, meetings and conferences
Application Deadline
All applications must be received by March 26th, 2010 to be considered. As admissions to the program will be offered on a rolling basis, you are encouraged to submit your application prior to the deadline. Applications must be emailed to applications@tainews.org with the subject “Florida Independent Fellowship.”
Eligibility
The Independent Journalist Training Program does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, sex, age, or other status protected by applicable law. To be eligible for the fellowship, individuals who are not U.S. nationals or permanent residents of the U.S. must obtain a U.S. visa in order to receive the stipend.
Application
Please send the following attachments as your application for a Fellowship:
- A current resume
- Three examples of your work in blogging or journalism. If possible include one of blogging and one other type of writing. If you have an example of original reporting you have done please add it here, and denote it as such.
- Responses to the essay questions listed below. Please respond in a separate document, titling each section with the corresponding question number.
Essay Questions
- A key criterion for the success of our Fellows is achieving real and demonstrable impact through journalism. Have you effected change in your community through your reporting or blogging in the past? Can you describe an example in which your work caused public action to be taken?
- As a Florida Independent Fellow, what issue areas would you pursue with a view to affecting change? Are there specific problems in your community that you would like to have an impact on? Please describe them and how you would use your skills as a journalist to make a difference.
- What are the types of stories you would like to report on? What subjects can you write about with authority and passion?
- Which national news sites and blogs are your favorites to visit? Florida news sites and blogs?
- Do you socialize or interact with other bloggers and journalists? If so, who, and in what context?
- What drives and interests you about political news and reporting?
Editor, The Florida Independent
The American Independent News Network (AINN) is looking for an editor to lead The Florida Independent, a new Web site dedicated to comprehensive and enterprising coverage of Florida politics. This organized, self-starting innovator will work with a team of reporters and bloggers, along with AINN’s national editorial team, to produce high-quality journalism, covering all aspects of state government, elections, local city/county politics, and the key issues of the day, including the environment, LGBT issues, immigration, civil rights, and more.
The role’s key criteria for success is generating “impact journalism,” with reporting that demonstrably affects the public debate and advances the common good. The Independent’s staff achieves this goal through a combination of aggressive reporting and tenacious, insightful blogging.
The ideal candidate will have at least three to four years experience in editing and reporting political news online and will be intimately familiar with Florida politics. Fluency in Spanish highly preferred. Salary commensurate with experience.
Responsibilities Include:
- Drive an effective news agenda that captures the attention of elected officials, key decision-makers and other influentials.
- Develop, assign and edit individual stories that speak to AINN’s mission of impact journalism.
- Edit articles and blog posts throughout the news cycle in coordination with national editorial team.
- Manage team of political reporters and bloggers, tracking their story development, mission focus, and productivity.
- Manage the functionality of the site in conjunction with tech team.
- Help promote the work and staff as needed with outreach team.
- This position reports to the CIM Senior Editor.
About the Organization:
The American Independent News Network investigates and disseminates news that impacts public debate and advances the common good. To accomplish its mission, AINN operates an independent online news network. An informed citizenry is a fundamental principle of civil society and American democracy; in the words of the Supreme Court in Garrison v. Louisiana: “Speech concerning public affairs is more than self-expression; it is the essence of self government.” Our reporting emphasizes the positive role of democratically elected government in securing the common good and social welfare, and the continuing benefits of our founding culture of egalitarian government by the people, for the people.
AINN is made up of news sites in five other states and Washington, DC: The Colorado Independent, The Iowa Independent, The Michigan Messenger, The Minnesota Independent and The New Mexico Independent.
For more information about AINN, please visit tainews.org.
Please send resume and cover letter to applications@tainews.org.
Email Subject: Florida Independent Editor
Editor, The American Independent
The American Independent News Network (AINN) is looking for an editor to lead and launch its 50 state local political news site, The American Independent. The site will feature a mix of original reporting and aggregation from our existing news network. This organized, self-starting, tech-savvy innovator will work with AINN’s national editorial team to produce high quality, breaking political news, including key races across the country, while aggregating content from AINN’s member sites to create a definitive destination site for consumers of political news.
The role requires effective, independent communication with editors and reporters to create a site that informs, rather than merely reflects, the political discussions of the day. A key criteria for success is generating “impact journalism,” with reporting that demonstrably shapes the public debate and advances the common good. The Independent’s staff achieves this goal through a combination of aggressive reporting and tenacious, insightful blogging.
The ideal candidate will have at least 3-4 years experience in editing and reporting political news online and will be intimately familiar with national politics. Salary commensurate with experience.
Goals and responsibilities include:
- Advise on development and implementation of site’s launch, including editorial content and technical functionalities.
- Develop, assign and edit stories, with an emphasis on election coverage.
- Manage team of freelance political reporters and track their story development with a view to AINN’s mission of impact journalism.
- Drive an effective news agenda that captures the attention of elected officials, key decision-makers and other influentials.
- Manage the ongoing functionality of the site, in conjunction with tech team.
- Work with AINN leadership to develop and aggressively pursue plans for enhanced ad revenue and positive traffic trends.
This position reports to the AINN Senior Editor.
About the Organization:
The American Independent News Network investigates and disseminates news that impacts public debate and advances the common good. To accomplish its mission, the Network operates an independent online news network. An informed citizenry is a fundamental principle of civil society and American democracy; in the words of the Supreme Court in Garrison v. Louisiana: “Speech concerning public affairs is more than self-expression; it is the essence of self government.” Our reporting emphasizes the positive role of democratically elected government in securing the common good and social welfare, and the continuing benefits of our founding culture of egalitarian government by the people, for the people.
For more about The American Independent News Network, please visit http://www.tainews.org.
Please send resume and cover letter to applications@tainews.org
Email Subject: TAI Editor