For whom is the fellowship intended?

Above the Fray targets up-and-coming reporters, who are ready to tell global stories from under-reported regions, but who do not have the financial means or professional support to pursue these stories.

The fellowship is not about finding the most experienced candidate; it is about cultivating the next generation of international journalists. The fellowship strives to discover journalists who are at pivotal moments in their careers: those who are armed with the skills to independently tell character-driven, sound-rich stories that take audiences off the beaten path.

How much work experience is required of fellows?

The Above the Fray fellowship is designed for those in the formative stages of their radio careers who have demonstrated an ability to report foreign stories independently. Applicants must have at least five but no more than seven years of professional journalism experience, including some radio reporting experience. Two published work samples reported by the applicant are required.

For the purposes of totaling your work experience to determine whether you are eligible, freelance work should be counted; internships should not.

What citizenship is required of fellows?

The fellowship is intended for US journalists. Applicants must be authorized to work in the US. All applicants must also be fluent in English, and all work samples must be in English.

I live abroad. Am I eligible?

No. The fellowship is intended for US-based journalists.

Are there minimum and maximum age limits for fellows?

No.

When is the Above the Fray application due?

The 2023-2024 Above the Fray fellowship application was posted on May 1 and due on July 1. Future cycles will be offered on a rolling basis, with dates announced as new applications are launched.

How will I know my application has been received?

We will notify applicants of successful application receipt via email by July 5. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

What if I have tried to submit an application, but I don't receive confirmation?

If you haven't heard from us by July 5, we have not received your application. Please contact us via email at info@thejohnalexanderproject.org so that we can investigate.

When will I be notified?

We will select semi-finalists and notify all applicants of selection status by July 31.

When will finalists be interviewed?

Finalists will be interviewed in the fall.

When will the fellowship start?

The fellowship dates will be determined according to the fellow’s schedule and any story constraints.

How long does the fellowship last?

Fellowship timing varies, but fellows typically spend about two months in the field, with additional time prepping and editing at NPR in Washington, DC. The total duration tends to be in the 5-6 month-range.

What is the criteria for the pitch, and what makes a good pitch?

A pitch is much more than just a region of the world.

It should be timely: why does this story need to be told now? It should be original: surprise us with a story we haven’t heard, an angle that hasn’t been addressed. It should be well-reported: your pitch is a litmus test for how we can expect you to cover a story.

Above all, the story you pitch should have the capacity to transport the audience to places they have not experienced, to expose them to voices they have not heard. It should be specific enough to articulate the types of people and places you expect to visit over the course of reporting the story, yet broad enough to adapt once the story veers off course (the best ones often do).

Your pitch should identify multiple characters and a story line that will develop over weeks and months in the field. We do not expect that you will be able to anticipate every perrmutation of what you will report, but we should have a good sense of the target. In many ways, a good pitch is as much about raising good questions as it is about predicting the answers.

I have multiple pitch ideas. May I submit multiple pitches?

No. One application per applicant, please. If you are torn between two stories that you would like to pitch, pick your favorite. Occasionally, the selection committee may ask for a new pitch if logistical concerns arise.

Can I pitch a story about my personal family history?

No.

Can I pitch a story from a conflict zone?

No. We insist on keeping our fellows safe from harm and will not send them to dangerous locations. All pitches must be approved by NPR security. If you are not sure whether your pitch is safe, please reach out to us at info@thejohnalexanderproject.org.

I have a great story idea, but I see that NPR has already covered this story. Should I pick a different one?

Yes. Unless you feel that the content of your work would be substantially different from the reporting by an existing NPR correspondent, you will fare better if you select a different story.

I have a great story idea, but I see that a former fellow has already covered a similar story. Should I pick a different one?

Yes. Above the Fray aims to expose listeners to a diversity of locations and topics. Your best bet is to pick something distinct from the work of recent fellows.

Do work samples need to be audio?

Yes. Work samples must be audio pieces. Writing samples will not be accepted.

May I submit an audio piece that I produced, but that I did not report?

No. Work samples must be reporting clips that feature your voice; pieces that you have produced or that are non-narrated will not be accepted.

Do work samples need to be published pieces?

Yes. Work samples serve to demonstrate your ability to report an NPR-caliber radio story, so your reporting clips should be published pieces.

Do work samples need to be in English?

Yes. All work samples must be in English.

What makes a good reference?

Above the Fray is not about finding the most experienced candidate, it's about taking a chance on someone promising, so we place a lot of stock in references. Pick mentors who believe in you, know your work well and can tell us why you are poised for the challenge.

Professional references only; no personal references.

When will you contact my references?

We will contact references for many, but not all, applicants. Please let your references know that we may be in touch in mid-July requesting a letter of recommendation by end of month. If your reference will be unreachable during that time frame, pick someone else.

How long does the fellowship last?

Fellowship timing varies, but fellows typically spend about two months in the field, with additional time prepping and editing at NPR in Washington, DC. The total duration tends to be in the 5-6 month-range.

When is the fellowship?

Fellowship timing is fellow- and story-dependent. Fellows will draw up a timeline that suits their individual circumstances, with all reporting ideally completed within about six months, start to finish.

What costs does the fellowship cover?

The amount of the fellowship award varies per project, and is designed to cover all production and living expenses for the duration, including prep and post time at NPR in Washington, DC. Once selected, it is up to the fellow to draw up a budget for final approval, to ensure that all costs are met.

Does the fellowship cover health insurance?

The fellowship budget includes health insurance costs, though procuring coverage is the responsibility of each fellow.

Does the fellowship cover PPE?

Yes. The fellowship budget will include any necessary Covid-19 or other personal protective equipment.

Does the fellowship provide equipment?

Yes. The fellowship provides an NPR-approved sound kit. Fellows may also use their own equpiment, if preferred.

May an Above the Fray fellow also be reporting for their employer or freelancing?

No. While reporting as an Above the Fray fellow, you will be on exclusive assignment with the John Alexander Project and NPR and should not report for other outlets.

Is NPR guaranteed to air my work?

No. As with any other correspondent, NPR is under no obligation to air or publish material that does not meet its standards.

What are your Covid-19 and health safety protocols?

The health and safety of our fellows is our utmost priority. Once selected, the Above the Fray fellow will create a Covid-19 and health safety plan that abides by the most up-to-date NPR reporting protocols, based on specific health concerns and case rates at the time and location the reporting will take place.