Military Veterans in Journalism to host seven paid news fellowships for vets

New York (April 26, 2021): Military Veterans in Journalism (MVJ) is offering seven six-month long paid fellowships valued at $200,000 to veterans seeking a career in journalism. This program was made possible due to three separate grants awarded by the Knight Foundation, Craig Newmark Philanthropies and the Wyncote Foundation. 

While about 7% of Americans have served in the armed forces, only 2% of media workers are veterans, according to U.S. census data.

"American newsrooms do not adequately reflect the diversity of our country," said Zack Baddorf, founder and executive director of MVJ. “These fellowships create much-needed opportunities for military veterans to break into the journalism field, bringing their skills, experiences, and perspective with them.”

“Our nation has been at war for nearly 20 years at war. Getting more veterans into journalism ultimately benefits the American news consumer,” Baddorf added. “It’s also a way for veterans to continue their service.”

The seven selected veterans will work in newsrooms across the country. Military veterans who are early-career journalists, aspiring journalists or journalism students are eligible to apply for these fellowships here. Applications open April 28, 2021 and close June 11, 2021.

The fellows will be selected by a committee of established journalists such as CNN anchor and correspondent Jake Tapper and award-winning photographer Michael McCoy, who is a U.S. Army veteran.

About Military Veterans in Journalism
Military Veterans in Journalism is a professional association that builds community for vets, supports their career growth, and advocates for diversifying newsrooms through hiring and promoting more vets. Learn more from the website.