WisconsinProposal would pair journalism graduates with local newsrooms
The proposal would fund 25 annual fellowships for eligible graduates to work in local newsrooms, with each fellow receiving a $40,000 salary.
What it does
The University of Wisconsin System board would match eligible graduates with local newsrooms in 25 one-year fellowships, each paying a $40,000 salary. The program would use its designated state appropriation.
The proposal would add 25 full-time-equivalent positions for journalism fellows in the University of Wisconsin System, funded through the program’s appropriation.
Argument forPaid placements in local newsrooms could help eligible graduates produce local reporting that meets residents’ civic information needs.
Argument againstBecause the program relies on a state appropriation, the number of fellowships the system can support may depend on the amount set aside.
More detail
The University of Wisconsin System board would run a program matching fellows with local newsrooms and award 25 one-year fellowships each year. Fellow applicants must have completed a two-year or four-year degree in journalism, media, communications, or a similar program at a higher education institution. Newsrooms must apply to participate. The program would be funded from its designated appropriation account. Fellow and newsroom applicants must show how taking part would help local journalism, media literacy, or residents’ civic information needs. The board would award fellowships annually, based on recommendations from a selection committee.
The University of Wisconsin System would add 25 full-time-equivalent positions for fellows. The positions would be for journalism fellows in the University of Wisconsin System. The positions would be funded from the appropriation for the journalism fellowship program. The positions would be added on July 1, 2026.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Apr 17Fiscal estimate receivedLatest
- Mar 23Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1Major
- Mar 23Representative Prado added as a coauthor
- Mar 19Read first time and referred to Committee on Colleges and UniversitiesMinor
- Mar 19Introduced by Representatives Brown, Emerson, Johnson, Anderson, Clancy, McCarville, Palmeri, Sinicki and Udell; cosponsored by Senators Spreitzer, Pfaff, Carpenter, Ratcliff and RoysIntroduced
Education