Become a fellow
How to Apply
- Read up on the Program.
- Download the application [pdf].
- Review the Code of Ethics.
- Answer the application questions in a Word, text, html, or pdf file.
- Email your submission to application – at – tainews.org. Please include all application materials in one digital file.
Fellowship applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Any questions should be sent to info – at – tainews.org. The New Journalist Program does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, age, lifestyle, religion, ethnic origin, disability or veteran status. 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.
Privacy
The American Independent News Network will protect all personal information collected and will not sell or otherwise release this information to third parties.
If you have any questions, please contact us.
What is the New Journalist Fellowship program?
The New Journalist Program looks to recruit several highly skilled state-focused bloggers who focus on political news and events. Once such a group of bloggers has been identified, the program will provide the bloggers with support, training, and resources with the aim of fostering a higher level of blogging.
Applicants are judged on the quality of their previous writings or blogging, the relevance of their professional background, both past and present, and their dedication to the journalistic pursuit of informing the public. Applicants will also be chosen based on the importance of their writings’ focus and how their focus brings ideological diversity to the blogosphere.
What is the theory behind the New Journalist Program?
In the age of media consolidation, more and more regular Americans have come to realize that the independence of our news sources cannot be taken for granted. With the advent and maturing of the Internet in the past 10 years, ordinary citizens have stepped up to the task of making sure that quality, unadulterated news gets out into the public sphere, thanks to the Internet’s ability to enable anyone to be a publisher. Now that these citizen-journalists have taken the first step into the news media arena, the New Journalist Project aims to take them to the next level by providing them with the tools, support and training, not just to comment on the news, but to also originate news in meaningful ways.
The program aims to show how citizen-driven media can make a powerful impact on the public debate. Furthermore, the program aims to understand how such effective citizen media can be organized and produced in a sustainable way.
Over time, the American Independent News Network seeks to train a growing network of skilled online bloggers-journalists that competes with local newspapers, television and radio, and influences wider media coverage of issues critical to the national debate.
What activities encompass the program?
- Weekend training in investigative journalism.
- Access to and training on research tools such as Lexis Nexis.
- Access to legal advice for libel and copyright issues.
- A stipend of $1,500* per month.
- Assistance in developing networking ties and sources within their state.
- Possible promotional support such as media training and booking or paid PR.
* Due to cost of living considerations, in some areas, such as Washington, DC, standard fellowship stipends will start at $2,000 per month.
How long is the program?
Fellowships last an interval of three months. After each three-month interval, individual fellows are evaluated for renewal. The average tenure is two three- month fellowships for a total of six months.
Why do the fellowships have this confusing time span?
Because this is an experimental program, we expect that as we operate we will learn as we go. Hence, at three months, the center will evaluate the progress of the program, and make changes as necessary. Should the assumptions of the program be met, the program will continue accordingly. Otherwise, the program will be adjusted to fix any inherent problems.
The Stipend
The stipend of $4,500* per fellowship period is based on what a novice freelance reporter could expect to make embarking on a degree in journalism. As with most freelance journalists starting off, fellows are expected to supplement their income with other work. As part of the fellowship, the program may help fellows find other sources of income and/or find ways to balance a second job with their reporting. Ultimately, the goal of the stipend is to attempt to alleviate financial pressures so that the fellows can focus on their journalism.
* Due to cost of living considerations, in some areas, such as Washington, DC, standard fellowship stipends will start at $6,000 per fellowship period.
What are the responsibilities of the fellows?
Each fellow is expected to produce six to 10 original posts per week. Fellows are expected to be available for all training sessions, collaborative peer discussions, mentor update calls and reviews. Additionally, individual goals will be set for each Fellow. These goals will focus on originating information and performing investigative journalism that has an impact on the public debate. Fellows may also be expected to submit periodic reports to the staff on their progress. Failure to follow these requirements may result in the early termination of the Fellowship.
How many fellowships are available?
The New Journalist Program Fellowship is available to up to 10 highly qualified individuals in New Mexico.
Academic Freedom Statement
The staff of the New Journalist Program will at no time require fellows to write or refrain from writing on a particular topic of their choosing. The only exception to this provision is if a fellow should break the journalistic code of ethics. Egregious instances of unethical journalism may result in termination of the fellowship.
Who are ideal candidates for a New Journalist Fellowship?
Ideal candidates are independent citizen-journalists who report on current events and bring new voices to the public debate via an existing blog. These journalists should have a state or local focus on issues and news. Candidates should strongly believe in the importance of citizen-driven journalism as a critical founding principle of this nation, the positive role of a democratically elected government in securing the good and social welfare, and the continuing benefits of our founding culture of egalitarian government by the people, for the people.
New Journalist Program Policy
The New Journalist Program does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, age, lifestyle, religion, ethnic origin, disability or veteran status. To be eligible for the fellowship, individuals must be U.S. nationals or permanent residents of the U.S.