Al Bustan News Journalism Fellowship
Al Bustan News Journalism Fellowship
Al-Bustan News is seeking talented and motivated reporters and storytellers to join our team for a six-month Journalism Fellowship. Fellows produce outstanding, original reporting, written features and multimedia content covering Arab American and Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) communities in Philadelphia and surrounding areas.
Al-Bustan News is an independent, nonprofit news and storytelling site that produces hyperlocal stories covering issues of importance to Philadelphia's Arab and broader Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) communities. The site was founded in 2022 by Al–Bustan Seeds of Culture, an established Philadelphia–area advocate for Arab arts, culture and education. Al–Bustan News aims to:
- Challenge stereotypes and highlight local SWANA communities in all their diversity through stories that are not being told elsewhere
- Provide our communities with coverage that is accurate, authentic and relevant to their experience
Location:
Remote within the Philadelphia metro area
Responsibilities:
- Submit 2–3 timely, engaging and polished stories per month in writing, video, audio, and/or other media, covering news, arts, culture, and civic life related to local SWANA communities
- Conduct in-person reporting (including interviewing sources, capturing b-roll, taking photographs, etc. as needed) within the Philadelphia area; meet with editor weekly via Zoom
- Monitor local, national and international news and events to generate hyperlocal story ideas; pitch stories to editor on a regular basis; deliver drafts/rough cuts by agreed-upon deadlines
- Adhere to Al-Bustan’s editorial standards and AP Stylebook
Duration and Compensation:
- The Journalism Fellowship spans six months from the start date.
- Fellows are paid $450 per submission, for maximum compensation of $1,350 per month and maximum compensation of $8,100 for the duration of the fellowship.
Minimum Requirements:
- At least one year of journalistic writing and/or multimedia production experience and a portfolio of at least three bylined work samples
- Excellent writing skills
- Deep familiarity with and interest in SWANA cultures and communities in Philadelphia region; cultural awareness and sensitivity
- Full-time residency in the Philadelphia area and ability to conduct in-person reporting, including interviewing sources and taking photos and video
- Commitment to hyperlocal journalism
- Strong news and editorial judgment, interviewing skills
- Experience collaborating with an editor; willingness to accept and incorporate revisions to drafts
- Ability to work under deadline and submit drafts in a timely manner
- Understanding of journalistic ethics and standards, with a commitment to factual accuracy
- Strong communication and organizational skills
- Valid U.S. work authorization and residency in the Philadelphia region
Desirable Qualifications:
- Fluency in Arabic, Farsi, Turkish or other SWANA language
- Experience with AP Style
- Undergraduate or graduate degree in journalism, creative writing, communications or related field
To Apply:
Please send a cover letter, resume and portfolio of work samples to News@albustanseeds.org. Applications will be accepted until January 15, 2026.
Please note that applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered. Applications received after the deadline will be kept on file for a future fellowship round.