If you are an early-career journalist passionate about covering artificial intelligence, applications are now open for the 2025 Tarbell Fellowship. This prestigious one-year program offers selected fellows a unique opportunity to work in major newsrooms, receive training on AI governance and technical fundamentals, and participate in high-level networking events with industry experts.
The Tarbell Fellowship is designed to cultivate the next generation of journalists who can critically examine AI developments and hold major AI labs accountable. Fellows will receive mentorship, financial support, and structured learning opportunities to accelerate their careers in AI journalism. Details in this article.
Tarbell Fellowship 2025 Summary
Delivery Mode: Hybrid (remote training and in-person newsroom placement)
Host Locations: Various major newsrooms worldwide (e.g., MIT Tech Review, TIME, The Verge, Bloomberg, Euractiv)
Target Group: Early-career journalists interested in AI and its societal impact
Areas of Focus: AI governance, AI safety, misinformation, AI accountability, tech policy
Academic Level: No formal academic requirement, but journalism or tech experience is preferred
Funding: Up to $50,000 annual stipend, plus travel and accommodation for the San Francisco summit
Duration: 12 months (June 2025 – May 2026)
Application Deadline: February 28, 2025
Start Date: June 2025
Eligibility: Open to international applicants
Fellowship Program Overview
The Tarbell Fellowship consists of three key components:
1. AI Journalism Fundamentals Training (June – August 2025):
A 10-week remote course requiring 10–40 hours per week. This includes expert guest lectures, reading assignments, and paired projects on AI and journalism fundamentals.
2. Newsroom Placement (September 2025 – May 2026):
A 9-month full-time placement at a leading publication, where fellows will work as AI reporters.
3. San Francisco Summit (August 18–23, 2025):
A week-long event featuring workshops, networking, and discussions with top AI experts and journalists. Travel and accommodation costs are fully covered.
💡 Topics and Activities
During the fellowship, participants can expect to engage in:
Writing investigative pieces on AI risks and governance
Attending mentorship sessions with experienced journalists
Receiving feedback on reporting and storytelling techniques
Networking with professionals from leading AI labs and research institutions
Developing a strong portfolio of published AI journalism work
Placement Options and Host Organisations
Fellows will be embedded in major newsrooms, including:
Bloomberg
MIT Technology Review
TIME
The Verge
Euractiv (Brussels-based, relocation required)
Los Angeles Times (relocation required)
South China Morning Post (Hong Kong-based, Mandarin fluency required)
Lawfare
The Information
Platformer
The Dispatch
UnderstandingAI
ChinaTalk (Mandarin fluency required)
Fellowship Funding and Benefits
Financial Support: Fellows receive up to $50,000 in stipends, adjusted for location and personal needs.
Training & Mentorship: Structured learning on AI governance, technical fundamentals, and journalism practices.
Visa Support: Assistance in securing visas for placements in the US, UK, or other required locations.
Travel & Accommodation: Costs covered for the San Francisco summit.
Career Acceleration: Hands-on newsroom experience with potential for long-term employment in AI journalism.
Tarbell Fellowship 2025 Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Tarbell Fellowship, Applicants should demonstrate:
A deep interest in AI and its impact on society
Strong writing skills and storytelling ability
A commitment to journalism, with prior experience preferred but not mandatory
Perseverance and the ability to work under tight deadlines
Open-mindedness and willingness to receive feedback
The fellowship is open to international applicants, though some placements may require relocation and language proficiency.
The fellowship is a full time commitment.
Application Procedure
The application and selection process for the Tarbell Fellowship 2025 involves multiple stages:
1. Initial Application & Writing Samples (January 6 – February 28, 2025)
Submit an online application with a CV, short responses, and 1–3 writing samples.
2. Work Task & Automated Interview (March 12 – March 23, 2025)
Complete a 2–3 hour work assignment to assess journalism skills.
Participate in a recorded interview answering general and situational questions.
3. Final Interviews (April 16 – April 30, 2025)
Attend a one-hour interview with the Tarbell Fellowship team.
Conduct additional interviews with potential newsroom placements.
🗓️ Application Deadline: February 28, 2025
🔗 OFFICIAL LINK
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