Nieman Foundation and Berkman Center announce joint fellowship

Addressing the growing need for fresh ideas and research in news reporting, the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard and the Berkman Center for Internet & Society announce the creation of the joint Nieman-Berkman Fellowship in Journalism Innovation.

Candidates for the new yearlong fellowship will be asked to propose a specific course of study or project relating to journalism innovation. The proposal may deal with any issue relating to journalism’s digital transformation. Examples might include ideas for new revenue streams to fund journalism, the construction of new tools for reporting or research into news consumption patterns. The candidate must indicate clearly how his or her proposal will benefit journalism.

Nieman and Berkman share a set of common interests around journalism, innovation and the development of digital space, and both run fellowship programs that offer professionals a year to learn and collaborate with others in the Harvard community.

“We are excited to marry the resources of Nieman with the expertise of our colleagues at Berkman,” said Nieman curator Ann Marie Lipinski. “This partnership offers an excellent opportunity for a fellow to use these assets in support of a project that will help journalism in a meaningful way. We think this sort of collaboration with a great Harvard partner holds much promise.”

“While a great many challenges to journalism and news remain, there is tremendous energy and innovation among the diverse journalists and news organizations embracing digital opportunity,” added Colin Maclay, managing director of the Berkman Center. “This fellowship is a promising step toward catalyzing and deepening our relationship with the Nieman community – and in our joint efforts to better understand and support journalism’s digital future.”

On campus, the Nieman-Berkman Fellow will be a full participant in the Nieman and Berkman fellowship programs and serve as a conduit of information between the two. The fellow also will be expected to share the results of his or her work online through the Nieman Journalism Lab.

The Nieman-Berkman Fellow will be able to draw upon the wealth of resources available at Harvard and in the surrounding area including such institutions as Harvard Business School, the Hauser Center for Nonprofit Organizations, the Shorenstein Center for Press, Politics and Public Policy, the MIT Media Lab, MIT’s Center for Civic Media and other organizations concerned with journalism’s ongoing evolution.

The Nieman-Berkman Fellowship is open to both United States citizens and citizens of other countries. Working journalists, including independent journalists, and those who work for a news organization in a business, technology, or leadership capacity are welcome to apply.

The deadline for applications for the 2012-2013 academic year is Feb. 15, 2012. American citizens may apply for both the standard Nieman Fellowship (deadline: Jan. 31) and the specialized Nieman-Berkman Fellowship.

The Nieman Foundation and the Berkman Center share a commitment to diversity and encourage applications from members of underrepresented groups.

The Nieman-Berkman Fellow will receive the standard Nieman Fellowship stipend, which is $60,000 over 10 months. Fellows also receive additional allowances for housing, childcare and health insurance. More details about the new fellowship are available on the Nieman Foundation website at www.nieman.harvard.edu/nieman-berkman/

Questions about the application process may be sent to Nieman fellowship administrator John Breen at john_breen@harvard.edu.