Tarbell Fellowship 2027–2028: AI Journalism Opportunities Paying Up to $135,000
The Tarbell Fellowship 2027–2028 is accepting applications from journalists and artificial intelligence (AI) experts interested in reporting on AI and its impact on society. This year-long fellowship combines specialised training, newsroom experience and professional development, offering participants an opportunity to build careers in AI journalism.
The programme includes three months of training in AI and journalism fundamentals, followed by a nine-month placement in a partner newsroom. Fellows receive competitive compensation, with standard fellowship salaries ranging from US$75,000 to US$120,000, depending on professional experience and the cost of living in the placement city. Eligible senior fellows may receive between US$115,000 and US$135,000.
Applications for the 2027–2028 fellowship are open until 22 November 2026. The opportunity is designed for candidates with experience or expertise in journalism or artificial intelligence who want to help the public understand one of the most consequential technologies of our time.
Tarbell Fellowship 2027–2028: Programme Overview
- Programme: Tarbell Fellowship
- Fellowship period: 2027–2028
- Duration: One year
- Training period: 7 June–6 August 2027
- Newsroom placement: September 2027–May 2028
- Standard fellowship salary: US$75,000–US$120,000
- Senior fellowship salary: US$115,000–US$135,000
- Locations: Partner newsroom cities in the United States, United Kingdom and Hong Kong
- Application deadline: 22 November 2026
- Application website: Official Tarbell Fellowship website
About the Tarbell Fellowship
The Tarbell Fellowship prepares talented journalists and subject-matter experts to report on artificial intelligence. The programme recognises the growing importance of independent journalism in explaining AI technologies, examining their consequences and helping the public understand developments that may otherwise be difficult to navigate.
Participants receive specialised instruction before joining a newsroom as reporters covering AI. Previous host newsrooms have included CBS News, The Bureau of Investigative Journalism, MIT Technology Review and TIME, among other established media organisations.
The fellowship is named after Ida Tarbell, the pioneering investigative journalist known for her reporting on Standard Oil. Her work demonstrated how investigative journalism can make complex corporate practices understandable to the public.
Similarly, the Tarbell Fellowship aims to equip a new generation of reporters to investigate and explain the technical, economic, political and social implications of artificial intelligence.
What Does the Fellowship Offer?
1. Competitive Compensation
Standard fellows receive salaries ranging from US$75,000 to US$120,000. The precise amount depends on professional experience and the cost of living in the city where the newsroom placement is based.
Candidates with at least seven years of professional experience and an exceptional record of achievement in journalism or AI may qualify for senior fellowships. These positions offer salaries between US$115,000 and US$135,000, depending on location.
2. AI Journalism Training
Before beginning their newsroom placements, fellows complete a three-month training programme focused on AI and journalism fundamentals.
The remote training runs from 7 June to 6 August 2027 and includes a specialised curriculum, guest lectures, graded assignments and interactive learning opportunities.
The training requires a full-time commitment. Participants then attend a week-long fellowship summit scheduled for 16–20 August 2027, with dates still to be confirmed. Travel and accommodation costs for the summit are covered.
3. Nine-Month Newsroom Placement
From September 2027 to May 2028, fellows work as reporters embedded within partner newsrooms.
During this period, participants develop reporting skills, investigate AI-related issues and build a portfolio of published work. There may also be an opportunity to extend a placement for an additional year.
Assignments are determined by newsroom editors, meaning fellows can gain practical experience responding to real editorial priorities and reporting opportunities.
4. Professional Development and Networking
The fellowship provides opportunities to learn from experienced journalists, AI specialists and other professionals. Participants interact with their cohort during training, speaker events, learning sessions and collaborative assignments.
These experiences can help fellows strengthen their research, writing, interviewing and investigative skills while building professional relationships across journalism and technology.
Who Can Apply?
The Tarbell Fellowship welcomes candidates with experience or expertise in either journalism or artificial intelligence.
Potential applicants include:
- Early- and mid-career journalists who want to specialise in AI reporting.
- AI researchers interested in transitioning into journalism.
- Machine learning specialists who can explain complex technical subjects.
- Experts in AI governance, regulation and public policy.
- Professionals with a strong interest in AI’s effects on society.
Applicants should demonstrate excellent writing skills, curiosity, open-mindedness, persistence and a genuine interest in journalism and artificial intelligence.
Previous journalism experience is not compulsory. Candidates without a journalism background may still apply if they can demonstrate strong AI expertise and perform well in the programme’s writing assessments.
Candidates with more than seven years of relevant professional experience may be considered for senior fellowships. Senior fellows receive higher compensation and are expected to contribute additional time to mentoring and workshops during the training period.
Where Are the Fellowships Based?
The programme’s partner newsrooms are based in cities across the United States, the United Kingdom and Hong Kong.
As of September 2026, the listed locations include Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, D.C. The list may change before placements begin.
The fellowship is primarily intended for applicants who already have the right to work in the countries where partner newsrooms operate. Visa sponsorship may sometimes be possible, but it is uncommon and requires approval from the relevant newsroom.
International applicants should therefore assess their work authorisation carefully before applying.
Application Timeline
The published selection and programme schedule includes the following stages:
- 28 September–22 November 2026: Applications open.
- December 2026–January 2027: Work tests.
- January–February 2027: Interviews with Tarbell.
- February–March 2027: Interviews with partner newsrooms.
- Late March 2027: Fellows selected.
- 7 June–6 August 2027: AI journalism training.
- 16–20 August 2027: Fellowship summit, dates to be confirmed.
- September 2027–May 2028: Newsroom placements.
Candidates should note that selection involves a work test and interviews with Tarbell and potential placement organisations.
How to Apply for the Tarbell Fellowship 2027–2028
Interested candidates should visit the official Tarbell Fellowship website and complete the online application.
Applicants should prepare an up-to-date CV, respond to the application questions and provide one to three writing samples. These materials should demonstrate relevant expertise, strong communication skills and the ability to explain complex subjects clearly.
The application process is expected to take approximately one to three hours. Shortlisted candidates will subsequently complete a work test lasting around three to five hours, followed by interviews.
Application deadline: 22 November 2026.
Final Thoughts
The Tarbell Fellowship offers a distinctive opportunity for journalists and AI specialists to develop expertise in reporting on artificial intelligence. With structured training, newsroom placements and compensation that can reach US$135,000 for senior fellows, the programme may appeal to candidates seeking to build a career at the intersection of journalism and technology.
Applicants should carefully review the experience expectations, full-time commitment and work authorisation requirements before submitting their applications.
