Karsh Journalism Fellowship 2026 — A Unique Opportunity for Early-Career Reporters

The Karsh Journalism Fellowship is the only media fellowship in the world dedicated to improving how Jewish issues are covered in the news. With a special focus on depth, rigor, and ethical reporting, this program pairs early-career journalists with expert mentors and immersive training experiences across three major U.S. cities—Los Angeles, New York, and Washington, D.C.—starting January 2026.

Supported by Jacki and Jeff Karsh and hosted by JFEDLA, this fellowship aims to do for Jewish topics what the Knight Science Journalism Fellowship does for science: elevate reporting quality and impact. Open to all platforms and outlets.

What Participants Receive

Selected fellows will benefit from:

• A $4,000 stipend and all-travel & lodging expenses covered
• Participation in 3 immersive weekend retreats in LA, New York, and D.C.
• Mentorship from top-tier journalists from CNN, The New York Times, The Atlantic, and more
• Workshops on key issues such as:
  • Antisemitism
  • Holocaust reporting
  • Jews in politics and media
  • “Jews and Hollywood” with leading showrunners
• A required reporting project under the guidance of the fellow’s current editor and Karsh mentors

Who Should Apply?

Eligibility includes applicants who are:

• Working journalists with ≤10 years of experience, OR
• Graduate journalism students or recent graduates
• Passionate about Jewish issues and interest in in-depth journalistic work
• Based anywhere with coverage access— the program is non-partisan and non-promotional

Timeline & Application

• Deadline to Apply: October 15, 2025
• Program Start: January 2026
• Number of Fellows: Up to 10 early-career journalists selected
• Application Platform: Apply via karshfellowship.org

The fellowship is structured around practical training and content creation to best support fellows in their home newsrooms and future endeavors.

Why It Matters

In an era of high misinformation and superficial coverage, especially about Jewish community and global Jewish issues, this fellowship offers a rare space for journalists to expand their expertise and elevate their craft. Topics like the Holocaust, antisemitism, Middle East politics, or cultural identity demand nuance, empathy, and discipline—qualities the Karsh Fellowship seeks to instill.