Applications open for Western Media Fellowship Program (US)

Deadline: 05-Oct-2026

The Western Media Fellowship Program supports journalists developing in-depth reporting projects on important issues affecting the American West. The fellowship provides a single $8,500 stipend for three to six months of work and is open to journalists working across print, digital, radio, television, photography, data visualization, books, and other media formats.

About the Western Media Fellowship Program

The Western Media Fellowships are designed to give journalists the opportunity to develop or advance an original reporting project of their own design. Projects should examine significant issues affecting the American West and may explore the region’s: - Land and natural resources. - People and communities. - History and heritage. - Economies and economic change. - Environmental challenges. - Social and cultural issues. - Forces shaping the future of the region. The programme also encourages projects that connect with ongoing research at Stanford University or the Bill Lane Center for the American West, explore innovative approaches to regional journalism, or provide opportunities for emerging voices in environmental reporting. Fellowship Amount and Duration The selected fellow receives a single stipend of $8,500 to support three to six months of work. The stipend is paid in two instalments: - 50% upon selection. - 50% upon publication of the completed story. The funding is paid directly to the fellow, rather than to their media organisation. What Types of Journalism Are Supported? The fellowship is open to journalists working in a wide range of formats and media.

Eligible project formats may include:

- Print articles. - Online journalism. - Radio reporting. - Television journalism. - Video journalism. - Photography. - Photo essays. - Data visualisation. - Podcasts. - Documentaries. - Books. - Fact-based graphic novels. - Other appropriate forms of journalism and storytelling. The central requirement is that the proposed work provides substantive, fact-based reporting on a significant issue facing the American West. What Topics Can Journalists Explore? Fellows are expected to examine crucial aspects of the American West and the forces influencing the region.

Potential areas may include:

- Environmental reporting. - Land and natural resource issues. - Regional history. - Communities and demographic change. - Western economies. - Environmental challenges. - Social issues. - Cultural developments. - Emerging issues affecting the region. Projects that intersect with relevant research at Stanford or the Bill Lane Center may be particularly encouraged. Who Is Eligible? The fellowship is intended for journalists who have a connection to a news organisation or media outlet that could distribute the completed work.

Applicants must:

- Be journalists working in an eligible medium. - Propose an original reporting project focused on the American West. - Have ties to a news organisation that will seriously consider publishing or distributing the work. - Identify the news organisation or outlet through which the completed work will be distributed. - Be able to complete and publish the work within the required timeframe. The fellowship is also interested in supporting emerging voices, particularly journalists producing innovative environmental reporting. News Organisation Requirement Applicants must have ties to a news organisation that will seriously consider publishing their proposed work. The Bill Lane Center does not secure publication for fellows. Applicants are therefore responsible for establishing a relationship with an appropriate news organisation or outlet before applying. The application must identify the organisation or outlet through which the completed work is expected to be distributed. Collaboration With Stanford Experts Collaboration with experts based at Stanford University is not required. However, applicants who establish relevant partnerships with Stanford-based experts may strengthen their proposals. Projects that intersect with ongoing research at Stanford or the Bill Lane Center can demonstrate an additional connection to the programme’s research and journalism interests. How the Fellowship Works The fellowship supports journalists from project development through publication.

- Develop an original project: Identify a significant issue affecting the American West and develop a reporting concept around it.

- Define the reporting focus: Explain the central question, issue, community, or development that the project will investigate.

- Choose the media format: Determine whether the project will be an article, podcast, documentary, photo essay, graphic project, or another eligible format.

- Establish a publication relationship: Identify a news organisation or outlet that will seriously consider publishing or distributing the completed work.

- Prepare the proposal: Clearly describe the project, its importance, reporting approach, and relevance to the American West.

- Submit the application: Provide the required project description, brief resume, and publication outlet information by email to the programme contact.

- Complete the project: If selected, undertake the reporting during the three-to-six-month fellowship period.

- Publish the work: The completed project should be published within six to nine months of the award and no later than mid-August 2027.

Application Requirements Applicants should submit the key materials required by the programme.

The application should include:

- Project description: An explanation of the proposed reporting project, its focus, significance, and approach.

- Brief resume: A summary of the applicant’s journalism experience and professional background.

- News organisation or outlet: The name of the organisation or outlet through which the completed work will be distributed.

Applications should be submitted via email to the programme contact. Publication Timeline The selected fellow is expected to publish the completed work with