Local Reporting Network Public Broadcasting 2020

ProPublica launched our Local Reporting Network in 2018 to help create vital, investigative journalism in communities where such stories would otherwise not be done.

We are seeking new projects from local public broadcasting organizations to begin in September 2020.

We will pay the salary (up to $75,000), plus an allowance for benefits, for full-time reporters. Reporters will collaborate with a ProPublica senior editor, and they can receive assistance with data analysis, research, design, audience development and engagement. Applications are due at 11:59 Pacific Daylight Time on Sunday, July 12. Here are the details for those interested in applying.

If your organization is selected, the reporter will continue to work in your newsroom but will receive extensive guidance and support from ProPublica. The work will be published or broadcast by your newsroom and simultaneously by ProPublica. 

Applications should be submitted by newsroom leaders for a particular project and a specific reporter. If you lead a public broadcasting newsroom (radio, TV or both) and are interested in working with us, we’d like to hear from you about:

• An investigative project. The proposed coverage can take any number of forms: a few long stories or an ongoing series of shorter stories. Please tell us why this coverage will be crucial to your community, any similar coverage that has been done before it, why this project has particular urgency now and a plan for executing the work. Please also explain why your region and your newsroom are the right places to tell this particular story.
• The reporter whom you ideally envision spearheading the work and the market salary you would need to pay this person for the year beginning in September 2020. This could be someone already on staff or someone else — for example, a freelancer with whom you aspire to work. Please include a personal statement by the reporter explaining his or her interest, at least three clips and, of course, a resume.

Freelancers are also welcome to apply, but they must find an eligible public broadcasting organization willing to publish their work and submit a joint application.

The deadline for applications is 11:59 p.m. Pacific time on July 12. Please submit your proposal using this form. We have a detailed list of frequently asked questions available on our site. If you have questions that aren’t answered there, email us at Local.Reporting@propublica.org.

ProPublica reporters and editors are available to give you feedback on your idea before you apply. You can send your proposals to Local.Reporting@propublica.org, and someone will get back to you within a few days. Entries will be judged principally by ProPublica editors. Winning proposals will be announced in August.