Each year the Alfred Friendly Press Fellowships (AFPF) brings approximately ten mid-career reporters and editors—usually between the ages of 25 and 35—to America for a six-month, in-depth, practical introduction to the professional and ethical standards of the U.S. print media.
Fellows have the opportunity of gaining experience and mentorship from top US newspapers like The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Newsweek, Washington Post, etc. It lasts approximately six months.
Program goals:
- To provide the Fellow with experience in reporting, writing, editing, and editorial decision-making that will enhance future professional performance;
- To expose the Fellow to the technological changes that are occurring in the industry;
- To enable the Fellow to gain a practical understanding of the function and significance of the free press in American society;
- To transfer knowledge gained on the program to colleagues at home;
- To foster continuing ties between free press institutions and journalists in the U.S. and their counterparts in other countries.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Current full-time employment as a journalist for the news or editorial departments of independent newspapers, magazines, wire services, or online publications of general public interest in a developing country or an emerging market;
- At least three years of full-time professional experience as a journalist in the print/online media;
- Citizenship of a developing country or an emerging market;
- Early to mid-career status and between 25 and 35 years old;
- A demonstrated personal commitment to a career in journalism in a developing country or an emerging market;
- Ability and desire to share what is learned on the fellowship with other journalists at home;
- Endorsement from the management of the home publication;
- An excellent command of both written and spoken English as all activities are conducted in English.
Due to requirements of reporting in the U.S., preference is given to applicants who are proficient in using computers and driving automobiles.
Program Details:
In the conviction that a strong, free press is essential to the healthy functioning of a democracy, the late Alfred Friendly, a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter and former managing editor of The Washington Post, conceived a fellowship program that would both impart American journalistic traditions and respond to worldwide interest in the dissemination of fair and accurate news. It was Alfred Friendly’s belief that working side by side with reporters and editors is the best way to absorb the practical realities of journalism in this country and the instrumental role it plays in our society. Therefore, he created the program that bears his name to immerse approximately ten journalists each year for six months in American newsrooms. Since 1984 the ALFRED FRIENDLY PRESS FELLOWSHIPS (AFPF) has trained nearly 300 journalists from almost 80 countries.
Sharing the goals of AFPF, the Daniel Pearl Foundation partnered with AFPF in 2003 to offer special fellowships to honor the life and work of journalist Daniel Pearl, The Wall Street Journal South Asia bureau chief who was kidnapped and murdered in Pakistan in 2002.
Applicants for the DANIEL PEARL FELLOWSHIPS (DPF) come from areas that Daniel Pearl covered as a journalist — the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia — and must submit an essay as to why they would like to be a Pearl Fellow. Additional opportunities are provided to Daniel Pearl Fellows that are in line with the mission of the Daniel Pearl Foundation — to encourage dialogue among people of different cultures, reduce cultural and religious tensions and create a platform for responsible and creative journalism.
Worth of Awards
The Fellowship covers all costs of program-related international and domestic U.S. travel, health insurance and provides a monthly stipend to cover basic living expenses. It is highly recommended that Fellows bring additional money with them. While family members may visit for up to one month, they cannot accompany the Fellow for the duration of the Fellowship.
Deadline: August 8, 2011. Annual deadline around this time.
Program Starts: March 2012
For more information, and to apply, visit the website by clicking here.