Deadline: January 10, 2026
The Tech Reporting Fellowship 2026 is now open for applications, offering a unique opportunity for emerging and mid-career professionals to deepen their expertise in technology, democracy, and public-interest reporting. This prestigious 12-month programme provides a comprehensive, newsroom-embedded experience in the United Kingdom, supported by expert editors and mentors in the field. The Tech Reporting Fellowship 2026 is designed to equip participants with the skills, resources, and editorial guidance needed to produce impactful journalism at the intersection of technology and society.
About the Tech Reporting Fellowship 2026
This year-long fellowship places the selected individual within openDemocracy’s UK newsroom, with additional mentorship and editorial support from Tech Policy Press. The programme aims to strengthen public-interest reporting that explores how technology shapes democratic institutions, public life, policy, and accountability.
The fellow will receive a £30,000 annual stipend, paid monthly, to support their living costs throughout the fellowship period.
Fellowship Responsibilities
During the 12-month engagement, the fellow will be expected to deliver a range of high-quality journalism outputs, including:
- At least one piece of reported analysis per month
- At least one fully reported feature article per month
- Timely responses to breaking news, including quick-turn reporting when necessary
- At least one long-form investigative project to be published during the fellowship year
The fellowship may also involve participation in additional editorial activities, such as:
- Podcast contributions
- Media interviews
- Public appearances and event discussions
These responsibilities are designed to help the fellow build a strong, impactful portfolio while contributing meaningfully to public debate around technology and democracy.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open to a wide range of early to mid-career professionals. Ideal candidates may include:
- Journalists with experience or interest in technology, public policy, democracy, or investigative reporting
- Researchers, lawyers, technologists, or public-policy professionals aiming to transition into journalism
- Individuals deeply curious about the impact of technology on society
Applicants should demonstrate clear interest or experience in topics such as artificial intelligence, digital rights, platform governance, data protection, surveillance, and related fields.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be eligible to live and work in the United Kingdom
- No visa sponsorship is provided by the organisers
- Proximity to London is preferred, though applications from elsewhere in the UK are accepted if the candidate can explain how they will manage logistical requirements
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following materials:
- Three to five recent work samples (published pieces or equivalent writing samples)
- A cover letter (maximum two pages) outlining their proposed approach to covering technology and democracy in the UK
- A short memo including:
- One to three feature-story ideas
- A broader concept for a long-term investigative project
- An up-to-date CV or résumé
- Three professional references
These materials will help the selection panel assess the applicant’s editorial potential, conceptual clarity, and long-term interest in public-interest technology reporting.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 10 January 2026
Applicants are encouraged to prepare and submit all materials ahead of the deadline to ensure a complete and competitive application.
Important Note for International Applicants
Those applying from outside the United Kingdom must already possess the legal right to live and work in the UK. As no visa assistance is offered, prospective applicants should consider this requirement before applying.
Conclusion
The Tech Reporting Fellowship 2026 offers a rare and valuable opportunity to gain hands-on newsroom experience while producing meaningful journalism centred on technology’s influence on modern democracy. It is ideal for professionals committed to strengthening public-interest reporting and contributing to informed, responsible conversations about technology’s role in society.
Application Links
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining and review.
