Organizers of Washington’s reworked news fellowship faced tough questions from newsroom leaders on Tuesday. The fellowship is expanding to place temporary reporters in all 39 of Washington’s counties starting in January. Washington State University is operating the program with Boston-based nonprofit Report for America.

Concerns Over Program Details

Newsroom leaders raised concerns about the program imposing mandatory salary levels far above what they pay reporters and editors. Lynnwood Times owner Mario Lotmore said the program would force him to pay a fellow $62,000 if one is placed at his biweekly newspaper in Snohomish County. Lotmore said that’s much more than journalists are generally paid in the area.

Salary costs are split with WSU and Report for America. Newsrooms pay half the first year, 66% the second and 80% if they opt for a third. Organizers will cover full salaries in some situations but the criteria isn’t clear. Kim Kleman, executive director of Report for America, said the program will also help outlets raise funds to help cover costs.

Goals and Expectations

The fellowship begins to restore some of the state’s lost newsroom capacity. Two-thirds of Washington’s newsroom jobs vanished over the last two decades, leaving much of the state with minimal local reporting. WSU began operating the fellowship in 2024, placing 16 journalists around the state.

WSU and Report for America won’t influence news coverage decisions. But they are asserting their views on how news organizations should operate, including requiring higher salaries and giving fellows’ work away for free. This ideological decision undermines the business model of most local news organizations.

Original reporting: Renton Reporter — read the source article.