As Washington state lays the groundwork for its local-news fellowship program, a stark reality emerges – the initiative, set to deploy eight journalists to local news outlets in early 2024, is just a fraction of what's required to revitalize and sustain crucial civic news coverage. The profound need for robust journalism in communities was palpable as 40 applications flooded in from news outlets competing for the limited fellowship spots, revealing the depth and breadth of information needs across the state.
Ben Shors, the journalism chair at Washington State University's Murrow School overseeing the program, described the reading of applications as "sobering," underscoring the pressing demand for comprehensive news coverage. The scope of the challenge extends beyond rural or urban divides, transcending specific platforms, and permeating the entire information sector.
The initiative, backed by a commendable $2.4 million allocation from Washington legislators, was proposed by state Sen. Karen Keiser with a focus on civic affairs journalism. This fellowship program draws inspiration from a similar venture in California, where 39 fellows were placed in its inaugural cohort, primarily at small news outlets, receiving an overwhelming 90 newsroom applications and 170 journalist applicants.
While Washington State University anticipates establishing an advisory board in early 2024, the expedited selection process is already underway. With newsroom applications closed at the end of November and fellow applications due on January 1, the initial review involves panels comprising educators and news professionals. Noteworthy figures, including KOMO anchor Holly Menino, former broadcast journalist Enrique Cerna, and Julie Shirley, former executive editor of The Bellingham Herald, are contributing to the rigorous evaluation.
Despite the encouraging response to the fellowship initiative, it serves as a poignant reminder of the broader challenges facing local news ecosystems. As Washington endeavors to fortify its news landscape, the fellowship initiative becomes not just a solution in itself but a catalyst for a wider conversation on the vital role of journalism in sustaining informed and engaged communities.
As Washington's local-news fellowship gains momentum, State Sen. Karen Keiser's eagerness to expedite the initiative reflects a commitment to addressing urgent information needs. The fellowship, allocating eight journalists to local news outlets, has drawn significant interest, with 40 applications underscoring the pervasive demand for robust journalism.
Keiser's call for an early start aligns with the program's imperative to swiftly address the pressing need for more local reporting. However, as the initiative progresses, voices advocate for a re-evaluation of its model, anticipating increased funding requests from the Legislature. While applauding the progress, there is a call for a critical examination of the program's structure before future cohorts are established.
The program's model, where fellows become state employees, prompts suggestions for refinement. Recommending exploration of a third-party intermediary for fellowship funding distribution, this proposal aims to enhance autonomy for newsrooms employing fellows. The current structure, while ensuring editorial independence, raises concerns about potential government influence.
Ben Shors, the journalism chair at Washington State University's Murrow School overseeing the program, is receptive to the third-party approach and assures that safeguards are in place to prevent undue influence. Participants are required to sign a memorandum of understanding emphasizing that editorial decisions rest with news organizations, not the state or WSU.
State Sen. Keiser emphasizes the program's intent to restore local civic coverage lost as outlets faded away, particularly in areas like South King County. Recognizing the watchdog role of journalists, Keiser envisions a vital function in uncovering potential corruption in lesser-observed regions.
Geeta Anand, dean of UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism, suggests that programs like these, addressing news deserts, are suitable for universities acting as community supporters. She underscores the importance of advisory boards as buffers to ensure independence from state influence.
While the program gains traction, the crucial decision of where Washington's initial eight fellows will be placed remains on the horizon, awaiting further determination. As the initiative evolves, stakeholders advocate for a thoughtful evaluation to ensure it effectively addresses the vital role of journalism in sustaining democracy and community engagement.
Washington State University's local-news fellowship initiative has garnered a robust response, with proposals from newsrooms aiming to extend coverage to 36 of Washington's 39 counties. This ambitious outreach, encompassing weekly and daily newspapers, TV and radio broadcasters, and digital news sites, underscores the program's commitment to addressing information gaps across diverse communities.
In a significant development, the fellowship, set to debut with eight journalists, will expand to a cohort of 16 after its inaugural year. Offering a competitive salary of $55,000 for two years, the program presents an attractive opportunity for journalists, surpassing the earnings of many reporters and editors in smaller outlets. This financial incentive opens the door to attracting experienced journalists, dispelling initial assumptions that the fellows would primarily be recent graduates.
The absence of geographic or experience constraints broadens the program's scope, enabling nationwide recruitment by the state. Ben Shors, the journalism chair at WSU's Murrow School, envisions a diverse pool of applicants, emphasizing the hope for experienced journalists capable of immediately contributing to newsrooms and enhancing local content.
State Sen. Karen Keiser echoes the sentiment, highlighting the program's potential to spark community conversations in areas impacted by lost local coverage. As the fellowship initiative takes its initial steps, Keiser emphasizes the significance of a building process, laying a solid foundation to ensure sustained impact in the years to come.
Amid the diverse landscape of newsrooms and communities, the first year serves as a crucial period for the program, setting the stage for future growth and influence. The fellowship's overarching goal is not just to fill gaps but to foster meaningful connections, empower local reporting, and contribute to the vibrant fabric of communities across Washington.
As Washington State University's local-news fellowship initiative gains momentum, it stands at the threshold of a transformative era in journalism for the state. The robust response from newsrooms across Washington, spanning counties and media platforms, reflects the pressing need and collective determination to restore comprehensive news coverage to diverse communities.
The expansion of the fellowship to a group of 16 after its inaugural year signals a commitment to sustained impact, supported by a competitive salary that elevates the program's appeal for experienced journalists. The absence of geographic or experience limitations underscores the program's inclusive approach, inviting diverse voices to contribute to newsrooms and communities.
State Sen. Karen Keiser envisions more than just filling information gaps – she sees the fellowship as a catalyst for community conversations, addressing the void left by lost local coverage. The building process in this first year is seen as foundational, laying the groundwork for a future where local journalism thrives and engages communities in meaningful ways.
As the program unfolds, it pioneers a new narrative in Washington's journalism landscape, not merely as a solution to news deserts but as a dynamic force fostering connections, empowerment, and resilience in communities across the state. The inaugural year becomes a pivotal chapter in a larger story of revitalizing local journalism, embracing diversity, and creating a lasting legacy of informed and engaged communities in the Evergreen State.