Applications now open: The Publix Fellowship for Media Entrepreneurs

In cooperation with the Reuters Institute at the University of Oxford, Publix is launching the Publix Fellowship for Media Entrepreneurs, funded by the Schöpflin Foundation. The fellowship brings two outstanding journalists from the DACH region with innovative media ideas to Oxford and Berlin. We are looking for applicants whose work in journalism and/or media management contributes to the transformation of journalism for the common good and who want to work intensively on a start-up or innovation project. Successful applicants receive a monthly stipend of £2,000 or €2,500 per month.

Each of these innovators will be selected from either Germany, Austria or Switzerland. In the spring of 2026, they will spend three months at the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, participating in the renowned Journalism Fellowship Programme, followed by a residency at Publix in Berlin, a mix of experiences that will strengthen their personal development, leadership and innovation skills.

In Oxford, the fellows will deepen their understanding of journalism, the news industry and their place in it through individual research, seminars, networking events and discussions with peers. In Berlin, the fellows will work on their own projects, linking them to viable business models and making new connections within our networks of NGOs, non-profit newsrooms, public broadcasters, media start-ups and legacy publishers.

Application Process

Applications are open to journalists and media professionals from Germany, Austria and Switzerland, who are working on a start-up or innovation project contributing to the transformation of journalism for the common good and who want to strengthen tehir leadership and innovation skills.

To be considered for the fellowship, you must have:

• several years' journalistic experience
• first experience in the field of management, start-up or project management
• a firm understanding of the current challenges of journalism and the opportunities for innovation and change
• personal work experience with a future topic, such as diversity (both within newsrooms and among audiences), dialogue and community approaches, investigative journalism, issues of media and polarization, the future of local journalism or the public good-oriented use of technology in journalism that is oriented towards the common good.
  

You will need to prepare:

• A one-page project statement. What is the idea that you plan to spend your time with us working on? What can you spend time reading about? Who will you talk to?
• A 150-word summary of your proposed project idea.
• A one-page motivation statement, demonstrating how applicants will benefit from strengthening their journalistic and entrepreneurial skills.
• A two-page CV, emphasizing your leadership or project management skills.
• Two letters of reference. Ask two people who know you and your work to write a letter recommending you for a fellowship. These letters should include the referee’s full name, job title, their relationship to you, and their contact details. Each reference should not be longer than one-page.

Your application must be submitted via the application form of the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism. The application deadline is Thursday 13 February 2025 (23.59 UK time).

If you have any questions about the content and procedure of the programme as well as the application and selection process, please send an email to Dr. Juliane Schallau: juliane.schallau@publix.de