Are you an early-career journalist ready to work at a top digital news platform? The 2026-2027 NABJ-Apple News Fellowship offers a paid chance to gain real newsroom experience at Apple News. This program, run with the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), helps new journalists learn skills in editing, curation, and digital storytelling.
About the NABJ-Apple News Fellowship
Apple News delivers news from trusted sources to millions of readers around the world. The NABJ-Apple News Fellowship lets fellows join the editorial team for hands-on work. You will collaborate with editors and publishers, get mentorship, and build skills in modern journalism.
This nine-month program mixes training, rotations, and focused projects. It suits those interested in breaking news, audio stories, newsletters, and audience growth.
Fellowship Structure and Training
The program starts with broad exposure, then moves to deeper work in one area.
Editorial Rotations
In the first three months, you rotate through different teams at Apple News. This builds a wide set of skills. Areas include breaking news, audio journalism, newsletter production, curation, audience engagement, and news planning.
You work side by side with pros to see how the newsroom runs.
Specialization Phase
After rotations, you pick a focus area with leaders for the next six months. This lets you dive deep and take on bigger roles in that part of the team.
Key Responsibilities
Fellows handle real tasks that shape Apple News content.
Editorial Curation
You select stories that meet high standards for accuracy and fit. This keeps the platform reliable for users.
Writing Display Copy
Write short, catchy text to draw readers into top stories from partners.
News Event Planning
Help plan coverage for big events, both national and global. Coordinate with the team on strategies.
Partner Collaboration
Talk directly with editors from news publishers. Build networks and learn coordination.
Quality Checks
Work with the standards team to follow Apple News rules on content.
Metrics and Growth
Track how stories perform and use data to improve engagement.
Presentations
Share your work and ideas with the full Apple News group.
Benefits and Compensation
This fellowship pays well and offers growth.
You earn $45 per hour for up to 40 hours a week. That makes it a strong option for recent grads.
Other perks include weekly manager meetings, ongoing feedback, and pro development. Gain real experience in a top news ecosystem. Work is hybrid, with remote options open.
Program Dates
The fellowship runs from August 2026 to May 2027. First three months focus on rotations, then six months on your specialty.
Who Can Apply
Check these boxes to qualify.
You must be a current NABJ member in good standing. Have legal right to work in the US, with any needed visas ready by start.
Finish school by June 2026 from a US college, or have under three years in journalism. Need a 3.0 GPA or better. Degree in journalism, communications, or related field helps, or show work in student or pro media.
Prove strong news judgment, editing interest, and passion for digital news careers.
Why Join This Fellowship
Digital news changes fast, with focus on multimedia and engagement. This program gives inside access to workflows, strategies, and team work at a major platform. It speeds up your career with skills and connections many new journalists lack.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NABJ-Apple News Fellowship?
It’s a nine-month paid program for early-career journalists to gain hands-on experience at Apple News, including rotations, specialization, and real newsroom tasks.
Who is eligible to apply?
You need to be a NABJ member, have U.S. work authorization, finish school by June 2026 or have less than three years in journalism, and show strong news judgment.
What does the program pay?
Fellows earn $45 per hour for up to 40 hours a week, with hybrid work options including remote.
When does the fellowship run?
It starts in August 2026 and ends in May 2027, with the first three months on rotations and the next six on specialization.
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