John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships · Standford University Campus
Applications are open for the John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships 2027 to 2028 at Stanford University in the United States. The programme offers experienced journalists and professionals who support journalism an opportunity to step away from their regular responsibilities, explore innovative ideas, strengthen their leadership skills and develop solutions to some of journalism’s most pressing challenges.
Organised by the John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships at Stanford, the programme supports journalists who want to make meaningful changes in the profession and improve the way people access and understand news and information. It brings together professionals from different countries, backgrounds and areas of expertise to exchange ideas, question existing practices and explore new approaches to journalism.
The fellowship lasts nine months, from September 2027 through May 2028. During this period, selected fellows will be based at Stanford University in California, where they can engage with the university’s academic and creative community while pursuing an individual professional development focus.
The John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships are designed for professionals who want to help shape the future of journalism. Rather than following a fixed academic curriculum, fellows identify an important question, professional challenge or opportunity they want to explore during their time at Stanford.
Participants may focus on improving their professional skills, addressing a challenge affecting their news organisation or community, exploring an idea for a new initiative, or developing deeper expertise in a particular area of journalism.
The programme encourages fellows to experiment with new approaches, learn from colleagues with different perspectives and develop the confidence and resilience needed to lead change. It also emphasises collaboration, thoughtful discussion and the importance of strengthening journalism's contribution to informed and democratic communities.
Fellows are expected to participate fully in the programme, attend cohort meetings and coaching sessions, engage with Stanford activities, and share insights from their experiences with wider audiences.
Selected fellows receive the following benefits:
• $135,000 stipend to support fellows during the nine month programme.
• Stanford tuition coverage, providing access to the university's educational resources.
• Health insurance for fellows through Stanford.
• Health coverage support for eligible dependants enrolled in Stanford's health insurance arrangements.
• Individual coaching to support professional growth, leadership development and personal goals.
• Specialised workshops tailored to fellows' interests and professional challenges.
• Access to Stanford's academic, intellectual and creative resources.
• Guidance on finding rental accommodation and settling into the Stanford area, including support relevant to accompanying family members.
• Membership in a global network of journalism professionals and fellowship alumni.
• Opportunities to collaborate with journalists, innovators and other professionals from diverse backgrounds.
• Time and space to investigate important questions, test ideas and develop new approaches to journalism.
The programme does not prescribe a single subject area. Instead, applicants are encouraged to identify a meaningful challenge or opportunity that connects with their experience and ambitions.
Potential areas of exploration include:
• Journalism innovation and the development of new approaches to news production.
• Newsroom leadership, management and organisational change.
• Audience engagement and community building.
• Improving access to reliable news and information.
• Journalism entrepreneurship and the exploration of new professional ventures.
• Strengthening public trust in journalism.
• Developing professional skills and leadership resilience.
• Addressing challenges affecting journalism organisations and the communities they serve.
• Exploring ways to support informed democratic participation through journalism.
To be considered for the John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships 2027 to 2028, applicants should meet the following requirements:
• Have at least five years of professional work experience. Student work and internships do not count towards this requirement.
• Be directly involved in producing journalistic content or work in a professional capacity that supports journalism.
• Eligible professional backgrounds may include reporting, editing, photography, producing, publishing, audience engagement, community building, newsroom operations, strategy and journalism support organisations.
• Independent journalists and freelancers may apply. Most of their professional work must be within the journalism sector.
• Demonstrate an interest in exploring important challenges facing journalism and developing ideas for meaningful change.
• Be proficient in written and spoken English to participate effectively in programme activities and at Stanford.
• Demonstrate the ability and willingness to collaborate respectfully with people who have different experiences, ideas and perspectives.
• Be able to commit full time to the fellowship and live at Stanford from September through May.
A university degree is not required, and applicants do not need to have worked in a traditional newsroom.
The programme is not intended for people seeking an academic degree, public relations professionals, individuals producing in house or industry communications, government agency employees, or full time academics.
Applicants should prepare the following information and documents:
• Completed online application form covering professional background, career journey and fellowship goals.
• A one minute selfie video explaining what they want to be doing in journalism three to five years from now.
• An up to date resume outlining relevant professional experience and achievements.
• One work sample demonstrating their professional abilities.
• Names and contact information for three professional references who can speak about their experience and qualities.
• Responses explaining what they hope to contribute to the fellowship cohort and how the programme fits their professional goals.
• Disclosure of any artificial intelligence tools used to prepare application materials, as requested in the application form.
Application materials must be submitted in English. Applicants whose work sample is in another language may submit the original alongside a brief English summary. TOEFL scores are not required.
The fellowship seeks experienced professionals who demonstrate a strong interest in improving journalism and the ability to contribute constructively to a diverse group.
Applications are reviewed through a multistage process involving the fellowship directors, alumni and other selection representatives. A limited number of applicants will be invited to interviews conducted through Zoom.
Applicants should clearly communicate their professional experience, the questions they want to explore, their goals for the fellowship year and the potential value of their participation. They should also demonstrate openness to new ideas and respectful collaboration across different perspectives.
Standford University Campus
John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships
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