The application is now open for our next cohort of California Local News Fellows!
The California Local News Fellowship is a state-funded initiative to support and strengthen local reporting, with a focus on underserved communities. The full-time, paid fellowship will place early-career journalists (with up to five years of experience) in California newsrooms for two years, starting in September 2026.
The program is open to digital, print, video, audio, photo and multimedia journalists. We’re looking for candidates with relevant experience as much as formal education. Successful applicants will demonstrate core reporting skills, a commitment to a career in journalism and an interest in reporting in underserved communities.
The application period for the 2026–2028 fellowship cohort opens on Tuesday, February 3 and closes on Thursday, March 5.
We invite you to explore the California Local News Fellowship website to gain a deeper understanding of the program and encourage you to review the Fellows FAQ, which offers detailed insights into how the program operates. Additionally, watch the video showcasing the 2024 cohort and for the latest program announcements and updates, please visit our Pressroom.
Key dates:
- February 3: Application opens
- March 5: Application closes
- April: Finalists announced
- April: Fellow/newsroom interviews
- May: Matching offers begin
- Early September: Orientation and fellowship begins
We will offer two optional informational sessions with fellowship program staff during the application period. Register for the Q & A sessions here:
Wednesday 2/11, 12 p.m. PST
Register here: https://berkeley.zoom.us/meeting/register/HtDwb1mKSiuDnGA3dbcNxg
Friday 2/20, 3 p.m. PST
Register here: https://berkeley.zoom.us/meeting/register/DABYwUl9RiSSq_UFhJAJBw
Please share this announcement with people in your networks who may be interested in this opportunity.
Warmly,
The Fellowship Team