Brief Information
The Media Reform AI Fellowship 2026 is now accepting applications from journalists, reporters, and media professionals in Lebanon. Organized by the Maharat Foundation in collaboration with the Media and Journalism Research Center (MJRC), the fellowship focuses on media reform, AI governance, digital transformation, and public-interest journalism.
Selected fellows will receive mentorship, editorial support, structured training sessions, and financial assistance to produce investigative stories and policy analysis related to journalism and artificial intelligence.
Key Dates & Details
- Program Name: Fellowship on Media Reform and AI Governance
- Organizer: Maharat Foundation & Media and Journalism Research Center (MJRC)
- Supported By: European Union
- Application Deadline: 20 May 2026
- Fellowship Duration: June 2026 – November 2026
- Location: Lebanon
- Type: Fellowship / Journalism Program
- Number of Fellows: 5 participants
- Funding: Modest production stipend provided
- Target Group: Journalists, reporters, producers, freelance media professionals
- Main Topics: AI governance, media reform, investigative journalism, digital transformation
Table of Contents
Overview
The Media Reform AI Fellowship 2026 is designed to empower journalists and media professionals to better understand and report on the rapidly evolving relationship between artificial intelligence, journalism, and media governance.
This fellowship is part of the broader “Media Reform to Enhance Freedom of Expression in Lebanon” initiative supported by the European Union. The program aims to strengthen freedom of expression, support media pluralism, and enhance investigative journalism capacity in a changing digital media environment.
The fellowship combines mentorship, policy dialogue, editorial guidance, and applied learning opportunities. Fellows will work closely with experts from the Maharat Foundation and MJRC to develop impactful investigative stories and policy-oriented outputs focused on AI governance and media reform.
The Media Reform AI Fellowship 2026 also seeks to help journalists understand how AI technologies are reshaping content production, newsroom operations, audience engagement, monetization models, and information integrity.
Participants will engage in discussions around ethical and regulatory issues connected to AI transparency, accountability, fairness, and the risks of misinformation and automated content generation.
In addition, fellows will explore innovative ways AI can be positively used in journalism to reach underserved communities and improve access to reliable information.
The Media and Journalism Research Center (MJRC) is internationally recognized for advancing independent journalism and evidence-based media policymaking through research and collaboration initiatives.
Useful resource on AI governance and journalism:
https://www.unesco.org/en/artificial-intelligence
Media Reform AI Fellowship 2026 Benefits
Selected participants of the Media Reform AI Fellowship 2026 will receive several important benefits, including:
- Structured exchange and learning sessions
- Mentorship from media and AI experts
- Editorial guidance and project incubation
- Technical support for AI tool integration
- Opportunity to publish investigative stories
- Public policy engagement opportunities
- Networking with journalism and media experts
- Financial support through a production stipend
Fellows are expected to produce at least one high-quality long-form investigation or policy analysis addressing the intersection of journalism, media reform, and artificial intelligence.
The final outputs may contribute to policymaking discussions and public dialogue initiatives in Lebanon and beyond.
Eligibility
Applicants for the Media Reform AI Fellowship 2026 must meet the following requirements:
- Be a journalist, reporter, or producer
- Freelancers and affiliated media professionals are eligible
- Demonstrate strong interest in:
- AI and journalism
- Digital transformation
- Public-interest reporting
- Submit a relevant and feasible story or policy proposal
- Commit to the full six-month fellowship duration
- Follow professional and ethical journalism standards
The fellowship particularly encourages applications from journalists interested in investigative reporting and policy-oriented media analysis.
Application Details
Interested applicants must submit their applications online through the official Google application form.
Applicants should prepare:
- A strong investigative or policy proposal
- Relevant professional information
- Evidence of journalism or media experience
- Motivation related to AI governance and media reform
Application Deadline
- Deadline: 20 May 2026
Official Application Form
https://forms.gle/HxDsERmBQL87gDH67
FAQ
Who can apply for the Media Reform AI Fellowship 2026?
Journalists, reporters, producers, freelancers, and media professionals based in Lebanon can apply.
Is the fellowship fully funded?
The program provides a modest stipend and mentorship support for production activities.
What kind of projects are expected?
Fellows are expected to produce investigative stories or policy analysis related to journalism, AI governance, and media reform.
How long does the fellowship last?
The fellowship runs from June 2026 until November 2026.
Official Link
Official Website:
https://maharatfoundation.org//en/FellowshiponMediaReformandAIGovernance
Application Form:
https://forms.gle/HxDsERmBQL87gDH67
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