The lack of diversity in the investigative journalism community is striking. Just look around at any leading investigative journalism conference to witness the glaring absence of journalists of color. The impact of this disparity can be profound. It affects the kinds of stories that are pursued, the sources consulted and the journalism produced. The result is an incomplete narrative shaped by the very sector of journalism intended to reveal the most about our society and the world.
Reveal from The Center for Investigative Reporting is launching a new project-based fellowship for emerging journalists of color. The Reveal Investigative Fellowship will emphasize development of investigative reporting skills andpromote diversity in journalism by helping build a pipeline of investigative reporters whose diverse backgrounds, experiences and interests will enrich the entire profession.
The fellowship, made possible through the generous support of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, is intended for experienced working journalists already employed by another media outlet. Full-time freelance journalists also are encouraged to apply.
This fellowship opportunity is extended to U.S.-based journalists of color,with a particular focus on those reporting from or about underserved areas of poverty in the American South and the Southwest, as well as urban areas.
Fellows will travel to CIR’s San Francisco Bay Area headquarters for several consecutive weeks of embedded training. The rest of the yearlong fellowship will be spent at their home outlets or communities.
Fellows will receive a $10,000 stipend and a full year of mentoring and guidance from Reveal editors, producers and reporters. Support from Reveal staff will include coaching on data analysis, document requests, interviewing and vetting of sources, interviewing for audio and more – tailored to each fellow’s needs. In addition to the stipend, the fellowship pays for attendance during the fellowship year at the Investigative Reporters and Editors national conference or another investigative conference.
By the conclusion of the year, the fellows are expected to produce an investigation (a single story or series) for their home outlets and for one or more of Reveal’s properties, which include an hourlong public radio show broadcast on 300 stations nationwide, a podcast and the RevealNews.org website. Freelance journalists will have their projects published across one or more Reveal platforms and, where appropriate, receive assistance in pitching their work to a relevant outlet.
Selection of the fellows begins with an application that includes an investigative story proposal. Reveal will help the top candidates refine their pitches and select up to four fellows a year for each of the next three years. Those finalists not chosen for the first year may reapply the next year. Text, multimedia and radio/audio reporters and producers all are encouraged to apply.
Before being awarded a fellowship, all finalists working at a home outlet will need to provide a letter from a supervising editor confirming the outlet’s willingness to allow the journalist to participate and co-publish the resulting work. If not selected, applicants’ story ideas will remain confidential.
To apply, fill out this form by Sept. 12. Questions about the application process can be sent to fellowship Director Martin G. Reynolds at mreynolds@cironline.org.
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