Local Investigations Fellowship Expression of Interest

The mission of The New York Times is to seek the truth and help people understand the world. That means independent journalism is at the heart of all we do as a company. It’s why we have a world-renowned newsroom that sends journalists to report on the ground from nearly 160 countries. It’s why we focus deeply on how our readers will experience our journalism, from print to audio to a world-class digital and app destination. And it’s why our business strategy centers on making journalism so good that it’s worth paying for. The New York Times offers a menu of programs and opportunities aimed at up-and-coming journalists and professionals from all backgrounds and with various skill levels.Learn more about career programs here.The application window for the Local Investigations Fellowship is currently closed and will reopen on July 1, 2026.Cover Letters for the Local Investigations Fellowship include at least one story idea or pitch, but multiple may be sent in each cover letter. Answers to these questions help us assess where you are in the reporting process and what editorial support and resources the local investigative fellowship could offer you.What is your investigative story idea or area of focus? How would your story expose something new, something no one else has already revealed?Describe who has been harmed and in what way. Is the harm enough to spark outrage?Will your story hold someone accountable? Who and how?What critical records, data and human sources will be required to tell your story? Describe how you have, or could, obtain these critical sources.What do you need help with to report this story, and what are the barriers?Can you give us a sense of what has been written about the subject? Please include clips of notable reporting on the topic.We appreciate proposals that are as detailed as possible. Previous successful applicants have included specifics about what they aimed to prove through their investigations. For example, a reporter for The Baltimore Banner had reason to believe that the city’s overdose crisis was the worst in the nation. Mississippi Today had evidence of abusesin localsheriffs offices. And a reporter for The Desert Sun in Palm Springs, Calif., suspected a pattern of deaths inside local jails. Please submit five published clips that show excellence — in evocative writing, through high-impact news stories and by highlighting the voices of local communities. Your clips should be uploaded to the additional materials question below. Please include the full text of your clips, not just the links.What makes a good local investigation?Starts with high stakes How does the story affect people’s lives and livelihoods? Their health, safety and basic quality of life?Has a clear line of accountability Great investigations have a line of accountability to someone or some group with significant power.Reveals something Does your investigation reveal something that someone or some institution is trying to keep secret?Has a clear sense of place The most important element for any local investigation: How is it (e.g. the policy, the circumstance or the failure) unique to your community?The New York Times Company is committed to being the world’s best source of independent, reliable and quality journalism. To do so, we embrace a diverse workforce that has a broad range of backgrounds and experiences across our ranks, at all levels of the organization. We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply.We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate on the basis of an individual's sex, age, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage, religion, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation or affectional preference, gender identity and expression, disability, genetic trait or predisposition, carrier status, citizenship, veteran or military status and other personal characteristics protected by law. All applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)’s Know Your Rights Poster is available here. The New York Times Company will provide reasonable accommodations as required by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws. Individuals seeking an accommodation for the application or interview process should email reasonable.accommodations@nytimes.com. Emails sent for unrelated issues, such as following up on an application, will not receive a response.The Company encourages those with criminal histories to apply, and will consider their applications in a manner consistent with applicable "Fair Chance" laws, including but not limited to the NYC Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the California Fair Chance Act.For information about The New York Times' privacy practices for job applicants click here.Please beware of fraudulent