The Tarbell Fellowship is a prestigious one-year program designed for journalists who want to specialize in covering artificial intelligence (AI). The fellowship combines newsroom placements, intensive training, and networking opportunities to prepare fellows for impactful careers in journalism.
Key Features of the Fellowship
- Duration: One year (June 8, 2026 – May 31, 2027)
- Placement: Nine-month newsroom assignment at leading outlets such as Bloomberg, The Guardian, MIT Technology Review, Time Magazine, NBC News, and The Verge
- Training: A 10-week AI Journalism Fundamentals course covering both technical and reporting skills
- Summit: A weeklong fellowship summit in the San Francisco Bay Area with workshops, guest speakers, and networking events
- Stipend:
- Early-career fellows: $60,000 – $80,000
- Senior fellows (5+ years of experience): $90,000 – $110,000
Why Journalism Matters in AI
As artificial intelligence becomes more advanced, journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public understanding and accountability.
- Demystifying AI: Journalists help explain complex technologies to the public.
- Accountability: Reporters hold companies and policymakers responsible for the consequences of AI deployment.
- Global Impact: AI can influence cybersecurity, public health, and governance. Journalists ensure these risks are openly discussed.
- Public Discourse: By fostering debate, journalism helps society chart a path that maximizes benefits while minimizing harms.
Fellowship Timeline
The program follows a structured timeline to ensure fellows gain both theoretical knowledge and practical newsroom experience.
- Applications Deadline: January 7, 2026
- Selection: April 2026
- AI Journalism Fundamentals Training: June 8 – August 14, 2026
- Bay Area Summit: August 17 – 21, 2026
- Newsroom Placement: September 2026 – May 2027
How the Fellowship Works
Newsroom Placement
- Fellows are embedded full-time in a newsroom.
- They report on AI-related stories, building portfolios and professional credibility.
- Placements vary by outlet, offering diverse experiences across media organizations.
Training Program
- A 10-week intensive course on AI and journalism fundamentals.
- Includes guest lectures, graded assignments, and mentorship.
- Senior fellows contribute additional hours to mentor junior fellows.
Fellowship Summit
- Held in the San Francisco Bay Area.
- Features workshops, guest speakers, and networking events.
- Travel and accommodation costs are fully covered.
Eligibility and Requirements
The fellowship is open to rising journalism talent worldwide.
Desired Qualities
- Passion for Journalism: Previous newsroom experience is desirable but not mandatory.
- AI Interest: Strong curiosity about artificial intelligence and its societal impact.
- Writing Skills: Ability to craft compelling stories under tight deadlines.
- Persistence: Willingness to pursue leads, conduct interviews, and handle rejection.
- Open-mindedness: Commitment to uncovering truth, even when it challenges prior beliefs.
Senior Fellowship
- For candidates with 5+ years of experience in journalism or AI.
- Higher stipend ($90,000 – $110,000).
- Additional responsibilities during training, including mentorship and workshops.
Application Process
The application process is multi-stage, designed to identify candidates with strong potential.
- Application & Writing Samples (Nov 12, 2025 – Jan 7, 2026)
- Submit CV, short answers, and 1–3 writing samples.
- Work Test (Late Jan – Early Feb 2026)
- A 2–3 hour newsroom-style task to assess reporting ability.
- Interviews (March 2026)
- One interview with the Tarbell team.
- 1–3 interviews with potential newsroom placement organizations.
What Fellows Gain
- Professional Experience: Hands-on reporting in major newsrooms.
- Financial Support: Competitive stipends to enable full-time focus.
- Networking: Access to leading AI journalists and experts.
- Career Growth: A strong portfolio and credibility in AI journalism.
- Community: A global network of fellows committed to responsible AI coverage.
The Tarbell Fellowship is more than a training program, it is a launchpad for journalists who want to shape the global conversation on artificial intelligence. By combining newsroom placements, expert mentorship, and international networking, the fellowship equips participants to lead the public debate on AI and hold powerful institutions accountable. Learn More
If you are an aspiring journalist passionate about technology and society, this fellowship offers an unparalleled opportunity to grow, contribute, and make a lasting impact. Apply now and shape the future of AI Journalism.
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