Allbritton Journalism Institute: Training the Next Generation of Political Reporters

Robert Allbritton, the former owner of Politico, has launched a new initiative to train the next generation of political reporters. The Allbritton Journalism Institute, a nonprofit “educational incubator,” aims to provide real-world training to young reporters in Washington, D.C.

Allbritton noticed a lack of good reporter candidates in the industry and decided to take matters into his own hands by creating the institute. The program will select 10 fellows each year from across the country to receive training from experienced political journalists. These fellows will then work as full-time reporters for a new website called NOTUS, covering national political stories.

While NOTUS may not have the web traffic of more established players in the media scene, it has garnered praise for its distinctive journalism and in-depth coverage of political issues. The goal of NOTUS is not to compete with other news organizations but to provide high-quality reporting that delves into important political topics.

The program offers fellows an annual stipend of $60,000, providing them with job security in an industry plagued by layoffs and cutbacks. The first class of fellows is diverse, with individuals from underrepresented backgrounds in the news industry.

Allbritton hopes that the institute will help fill the gap in political reporting left by the decline of local newspapers and provide a platform for young journalists to develop their skills. With corporate sponsorships, he aims to sustain the program and continue training the next generation of political reporters.

Overall, the Allbritton Journalism Institute and NOTUS represent a new approach to training and supporting young journalists in the ever-evolving media landscape. By providing hands-on experience and mentorship from experienced journalists, the program aims to produce high-quality reporters who can navigate the complexities of political journalism.