Deadline is Sept. 18 for newsrooms to apply for reporter co-funded by Report for America, which wants rural applicants

Local newsrooms that would like to host a Report for America reporting corps member starting next summer have until Sept. 18 to apply, and the national service program is making a special effort to get more rural newsrooms involved.

RFA places talented journalists in local newsrooms for up to three years to report on under-covered issues and communities, including rural areas. It says the successful newsrooms get:

● Service-minded reporters, photographers and videographers
● Diverse, hand-picked candidates from a pool of emerging and experienced journalists
● Salary subsidies: 50% the first year, 33% the second year
● Local fundraising coaching and resources, including the opportunity for fiscal sponsorship to accept donations
● Extra training and mentoring for journalists

More information about how the program works can be found here. News organizations can also learn more by attending one of RFA's scheduled information sessions. One specially designed for rural newsrooms will be announced soon. The current list of sessions is here.

RFA says it understands the challenges today’s newsrooms face, not only finding talented journalists but also providing the mentorship and support they might seek. It says, "By partnering with Report for America, local newsrooms are better positioned to cover important issues, diversify their newsrooms, and grow sustainable, local support within their communities."

RFA adds, "While all local news organizations are eligible to apply, Report for America looks to expand its reach into rural areas. On the application, prospective newsrooms should identify specific gaps in coverage in the community, drawing attention to under-covered communities or issues."

In April, RFA announced the pairing of 60 journalists and newsrooms, 16 of them with rural employers or beats. A story on that is here.