Local Reporting Network Fellow

Local Reporting Network Fellow – Pro Publica

Pro Publica is an independent, nonprofit newsroom that produces investigative journalism in the public interest.

The Local Reporting Network helps produce vital investigative journalism in communities where such stories would otherwise not be done. Now entering its ninth year, the program will take on 15 new partnerships over the course of 2026.

Applications for all 15 projects are open now and will be considered on a rolling basis using the deadlines below. There will be three fellowship periods and we will select five fellows for each round.

For these partnerships, Pro Publica will provide a grant, paid in monthly installments, to the selected newsroom reflecting the annual salary (up to $80,000 plus a 25 % allowance for benefits) for one full‑time reporter in each newsroom. Successful candidates must have a proven track record of investigative reporting and impact, and will provide a memo about the project they are proposing to work on for the duration of the one‑year partnership.

Strong applications will explain why the project needs to be told in your community, how it would benefit from this collaboration, and how it may resonate with both local and national audiences.

Once accepted, local reporters will work from and report to their home newsrooms while receiving extensive support and guidance from Pro Publica, including collaboration with a senior editor and access to the nonprofit newsroom's expertise. The work will be published or broadcast by your newsroom and simultaneously by Pro Publica.

Pro Publica reporters and editors are available to answer questions or give feedback on your application before you submit it. Please reach us at Local.

Reporting
. We are unable to accept applications via email. No phone calls, please.

We know there are great candidates who may not fit the exact qualifications above or who have important skills we haven't thought of. If that's you, don’t hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself.

We are dedicated to improving our newsroom, in part by better reflecting the people we cover. We are committed to diversity and building an inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds and ages. We especially encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including women, people of color, LGBTQ+ people and people with disabilities. We are an equal‑opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind.

All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age or any other status protected under applicable law.