Best practices for creating a community news fellowships program that bolsters reporting capacity and increases coverage of local issues.
Purpose & Impact
Improve access to reliable local news by placing trained journalists in community outlets through multi‑year fellowships that rebuild reporting capacity.
The Model Law
Establish a statewide Community News Fellowships program that supports two‑year placements, structured training, and a clear pathway for fellows to become long‑term newsroom staff.
Implementation Overview
A practical guide for policymakers, newsroom leaders, and advocates shaping the fellowship framework into a state‑ready bill that strengthens local reporting.
Our Process
Understand the legislative foundations and principles that shaped the Community News Fellowships Act, informed by research on existing state programs and national service models.
Existing Models
Examples of programs that have increased coverage of local communities and essential issues.