ProPublica launched the Local Reporting Network in 2018 to help create vital, investigative journalism in communities where such stories would otherwise not be done. In 2024, ProPublica launched the 50 State Initiative – a commitment to support accountability reporting projects in every state throughout the U.S. by the end of 2029.
We are now seeking five newsrooms – in five different states – to work with us on an investigative project for one year. Newsrooms from all states except Alaska, Connecticut, Maine, New York and North Dakota are eligible to apply. (Newsrooms from those five states have already been selected to participate.)
ProPublica will pay the annual salary (up to $75,000 plus an allowance for benefits), for one full-time reporter in each newsroom. Successful candidates will have a proven track record of investigative reporting and impact, and provide a memo about the project they’re proposing for the duration of the partnership, which will begin October 1, 2024.
Once accepted, local reporters will work from and report to their home newsrooms, while receiving extensive support and guidance for their work from ProPublica, including collaboration with a senior editor and access to the nonprofit newsroom’s expertise with data, research, engagement, video and design. The work will be published or broadcast by your newsroom and simultaneously by ProPublica.
The deadline for applications is July 22, 2024, at 5 p.m. Eastern Time. As we read applications, we will be in touch if we have any questions; applicants will be selected by early June.
Applications should be submitted by the reporter in collaboration with newsroom leaders. The applicant’s name should be the reporter’s.
Strong applications will express why the project needs to be told in your community – we’re eager for projects that can’t be told anywhere; they will also explain how the project would benefit from this collaboration, potentially including data, research and engagement reporting resources we can provide; and will discuss how the project may resonate with both local and national audiences.
ProPublica reporters and editors are available to answer questions or to give you feedback on your application before you submit it. Please reach us at Local.Reporting@propublica.org. No phone calls, please.