Applications are now open for Report for America host newsrooms; rural newsrooms encouraged to apply

Applications to become a host newsroom for Report for America (RFA) are now open for 2027-2028. RFA "recruits, trains, and supports" journalists to work in newsrooms across the country, "focusing on under-covered communities and issues." Rural newsrooms are highly encouraged to apply. 

This year, RFA is expanding its support for newsrooms who want to add photography, visual journalism and sports reporting positions, but it also support a wide range of other positions that will help local newsrooms maintain "more consistent, high-quality local reporting" on any topic. Reporters are placed in newsroom for two-year contracts. 

RFA offsets the salary of newly placed reporters up to 50%, or up to $27,500, in the first year, and up to 33% in the second year. Reporters with more than six years experience will be subsidized up to $30,000. The organization's Local News Sustainability team also works directly with host newsrooms on fundraising and other revenue opportunities to "strengthen long-term financial sustainability" of local news. 

RFA will host several information sessions to learn about the program, which can be found here. Questions about the program can be sent to recruitment@reportforamerica.org. To apply to become a host newsroom, click here.