The New York Times Local Investigations Fellowship 2026: One-Year Investigative Journalism Opportunity for Local Reporters and Freelance Journalists

Overview

The New York Times is offering a Local Investigations Fellowship, a one-year opportunity for experienced local reporters and freelance journalists who have strong investigative story ideas about their state or region. Fellows keep working from the communities they cover while receiving editorial guidance from Dean Baquet, the paper's former executive editor, and a group of veteran investigative editors. The work is expected to produce signature investigative reporting published by The New York Times.

What you get

Fellows receive a year to pursue a substantial investigation, training in the judgment, skills and techniques of investigative journalism, and support from experienced editors. Periodic trips to The New York Times offices are part of the programme for training and support. The fellowship is aimed at journalists who have important ideas but lacked the time, resources or editorial support to pursue them.

Who can apply

Applicants should have three to five years of professional reporting experience covering a beat for a local newspaper or local digital news outlet. They should be either independent journalists or employed by a newsroom willing to grant a yearlong sabbatical, and they must be authorized to work in the United States. They should also show commitment to journalistic independence and the paper's mission of seeking the truth and helping people understand the world. Preferred qualities include significant experience on a particular beat, a well-developed investigative idea, the ability to bring new perspectives, and a record of excellent writing, news judgment and community-centred reporting.

Requirements

A central part of the application is the investigative story idea. A strong proposal starts with high stakes, such as effects on health, public safety, livelihoods, access to essential services or quality of life. It has a clear line of accountability, identifying who holds responsibility or power over the issue and how reporting can trace it. It also aims to reveal something new rather than only describe a known problem.

How to apply

Applicants submit their proposed investigation as part of the application. No deadline is stated in the available information.