Democracy Tech Reporting Fellowship

As technology increasingly shapes political power, public policy, and everyday life, the need for independent, investigative journalism has never been more urgent. From artificial intelligence and data surveillance to digital platforms and online rights, technology now sits at the center of democratic debate.

To address this growing need,
open Democracy is offering the Tech Reporting Fellowship 2026
, a unique opportunity for journalists and researchers committed to public‑interest reporting.

This year‑long fellowship is designed to support in‑depth journalism that explores how technology affects democracy, human rights, governance, and social justice. It provides selected fellows with editorial mentorship, financial support, and an international publishing platform to produce impactful, globally relevant reporting.

The Tech Reporting Fellowship is a 12‑month, full‑time journalism placement based in the United Kingdom. The fellow will be embedded within open Democracy’s UK newsroom and work closely with experienced editors to develop compelling, well‑researched stories that examine the political and societal implications of technology.

Through a collaborative editorial environment, the fellowship allows participants to sharpen their reporting skills, strengthen investigative techniques, and build a strong professional portfolio. The programme is particularly focused on long‑form investigations and analytical reporting that go beyond headlines to uncover systemic issues and power structures.

Technology influences nearly every aspect of modern governance, from election security and digital surveillance to artificial intelligence and platform regulation. Yet many of these developments remain poorly understood by the public. The open Democracy Tech Reporting Fellowship aims to bridge this gap by supporting journalists who can translate complex technical topics into accessible, engaging stories.

By encouraging independent and critical reporting, the fellowship contributes to transparency, accountability, and informed public debate. Fellows are expected to challenge dominant narratives, expose injustices, and amplify under‑reported perspectives in technology policy and digital governance.

This fellowship is ideal for applicants with a strong interest in technology, democracy, and public‑interest journalism
. While applicants with journalism backgrounds are encouraged to apply, the programme also welcomes professionals from related fields such as research, law, policy analysis, or technology who wish to transition into journalism.

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Strong writing and storytelling skills
• Curiosity about the political and social impact of technology
• A commitment to ethical, independent journalism
• The ability to work independently and meet editorial deadlines

All applicants must already have the legal right to live and work in the United Kingdom
, as the fellowship does not provide visa sponsorship.

During the fellowship, the selected candidate will be expected to contribute consistently to open Democracy’s editorial output. Core responsibilities include:

• Producing at least one reported feature and one analytical article per month
• Responding to breaking news related to technology and democracy when required
• Developing and completing one major investigative project over the course of the fellowship
• Collaborating closely with editors on story development and research
• Participating in editorial meetings and contributing ideas to newsroom discussions
• Engaging in podcasts, media appearances, or public events to promote published work

This blend of investigative, analytical, and multimedia work ensures that fellows gain comprehensive newsroom experience.

The Tech Reporting Fellowship runs for 12 months
, beginning in March 2026
. The selected fellow will receive a competitive annual stipend of £30,000
, paid monthly, allowing them to focus fully on reporting without financial strain.

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