Stern-Bryan Fellowship

Journalists are invited to apply for the 43rd Stern-Bryan Fellowship.

Calling early career British journalists

Are you an early career journalist who wants the opportunity to work at one of the world's most prestigious papers in this key US election year? Do you want to follow in the footsteps of journalists such as James Naughtie, Cathy Newman, Mary Ann Sieghart and Gary Younge?

Every year, a British journalist gets the chance to spend three months at the Washington Post and write for the paper as part of the Stern-Bryan fellowship. The fellow also has a further month to travel in the US.

Being a Stern Fellow during an election year was an unbelievable opportunity, and the Washington Post threw me right in at the deep end – I flew on Air Force Two between several states with Joe Biden, had just 20 minutes to file on Michelle Obama addressing the Congressional Black Caucus gala dinner, and was in the office until 3am on election night waiting for Congressional results for Montana. There is nothing quite like it, and I couldn't recommend it more heartily.

This year’s winner will have a front-row seat covering the 2024 election as Republicans and Democrats square up and Americans go to the polls to choose between a former and current president in what is likely to be one of the most controversial and hotly-contested elections of recent times.

Applications will be considered from any journalist, whether they work in print, radio, television or the web, in London or elsewhere in Britain. It is an opportunity for a British citizen only.

How to apply

You should explain why you are right for this opportunity and attach:

• Your CV
• Two references, at least one from a present or former editor or producer
• No more than three recent samples of their work.

Please note:

• All documents should be submitted in PDF form (preferably in a single PDF document).
• Television or radio journalists may submit scripts or cite examples of their recent achievements.
• Candidates must obtain their references and submit them with their application.
• In case of joint bylined pieces, candidates must attach a short paragraph explaining which elements of the piece were their contributions.
• Highlight any multimedia contributions to your published work.

The application should be sent by email to Stern.fellowship@gmail.com

Or by post to: Dr Glenda Cooper, Department of Journalism, City, University of London, Northampton Square, London, EC1V OHB.

Application deadline

Interviews: Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed at City, University of London mid-April 2024

Start date: Summer 2024

About the Stern-Bryan Fellowship

The fellowship was begun by Ben Bradlee in honour of Laurence Stern, a Post editor who died at age 50 in 1979. Bradlee and veteran British journalist Godfrey Hodgson turned to Felicity Bryan, a close friend of Stern’s, to be one of the original organisers.

Bryan went on to become one of one of Britain’s leading literary agents, and an irrepressible force at the heart of the fellowship. In 2020, the fellowship was renamed to include her. She died at age 74 in June 2020.

“Ben Bradlee once said to me that the Stern Fellowship was one of the things he was most proud to be associated with, and I feel the same,” Bryan said. Read the full story.

I hitched a lift with presidential candidate Ralph Nader. I’ll never forget traversing the country with him in his battered old car: there was no better way to learn about the country - and its politics. The Stern Fellowship gave me unbeatable experience and I’ll be forever grateful.

I would say the Stern Fellowship gave me the best journalistic training I ever had. Some of Britain's best journalists are graduates of the Stern Fellowship - and I don't think it's a coincidence.

To any young British journalists on the fence about applying for this - don't let poor self-confidence talk you out of it like mine almost did. As a freelancer, I was astonished to get an interview, let alone be picked for the fellowship itself. The experience changed my life.