The Fund for American Studies (TFAS) celebrates the successful completion of its inaugural Media Accelerator Fellowship. Over nine months in Washington, D.C., 15 early-career journalists worked closely with policy experts and veteran journalists, gaining the skills and perspective needed to thrive in today’s dynamic media landscape.

James Lynch, MAF ’24, a news writer for National Review, highlighted the fellowship’s impact on preparing young journalists for success in Washington.

“The Media Accelerator program is a vital resource for ensuring the next generation of young conservative journalists in D.C. have the policy toolkit and industry knowledge to succeed in a crowded field,” Lynch said.

The Media Accelerator program is a vital resource for ensuring the next generation of young conservative journalists in D.C. have the policy toolkit and industry knowledge to succeed in a crowded field.” – James Lynch, MAF ’24

The curriculum challenged participants to refine their beats and sharpen their reporting and writing skills while exploring the vital role of a free press in a free society. Fellows studied core principles such as ethical journalism and individual liberty, applying these values to produce responsible and impactful stories.

OPENING DOORS FOR LEARNING AND MENTORSHIP

Throughout the year, Fellows participated in monthly roundtables in Washington, D.C., where leading journalists and policy experts led in-depth discussions on today’s most pressing issues. These sessions equipped Fellows with practical tools and personalized guidance to sharpen their reporting and advance their careers.

The program launched in September with an orientation and welcome dinner in Washington, D.C. Vic Matus, deputy editor at the Washington Free Beacon, kicked off the year by sharing candid reflections on navigating the evolving media landscape and offering practical advice for succeeding in journalism.

Other notable speakers throughout the year included:

• Kurt Couchman ’02, PPF ’07, Americans for Prosperity — Economic and Fiscal Policy
• Steve Hayes ’94, Novak ’00, The Dispatch — Politics and Campaigns
• Mike Watson, Hudson Institute — National Security and Foreign Affairs
• Kevin Daley, Novak ’21, CRC Advisors — Legal Reporting
• Tim Carney, Novak ’03, American Enterprise Institute — Religion and Culture

ENGAGING MEDIA RETREATS

Among the program’s highlights were two weekend retreats. In November, Fellows gathered in Annapolis, Maryland, for a three-day intensive focused on the business of media, polling and statistics, source development, brand building and media training. Distinguished speakers including Andrew Kerr of the Washington Free Beacon, Paul Glader ’99, ’00, from Stand Together, and John McCormack, Novak ’11, of The Dispatch, led discussion sessions and lectures.

This spring, Fellows gathered in Richmond, Virginia, for a retreat on “Liberty and Responsibility in the Media.” Noah Rothman, senior writer at National Review, led seminars on freedom of the press, democratic governance, the media market, soft news, partisan bias and journalistic ethics.

FELLOW REFLECTIONS AND THE PATH FORWARD

The Media Accelerator Fellowship concluded with a closing dinner in Washington, D.C., on May 7. Mark Sawyer, a 2024 alum of TFAS’s European Journalism Institute and current Media Accelerator Fellow, offered closing remarks. He thanked TFAS leadership and donors for making the inaugural year possible and reflected on the fellowship’s role in preparing Fellows for careers in journalism grounded in principle and community.

“I’ve loved the generosity of this fellowship,” Sawyer said. “We’ve been learning in community and sharpening each other, sharing knowledge and advice. This fellowship builds not just skills, but a supportive network of curious, generous and principled journalists.”

I’ve loved the generosity of this fellowship. We’ve been learning in community and sharpening each other, sharing knowledge and advice. This fellowship builds not just skills, but a supportive network of curious, generous and principled journalists.” – Mark Sawyer EJI ’24, MAF ’24

The TFAS Media Accelerator Fellowship is the latest addition to TFAS’s Center for Excellence in Journalism. This nine-month program equips early-career journalists with the policy knowledge, professional development and mentorship needed to strategically advance their careers.

Dedicated TFAS donors made this inaugural year possible. To join TFAS in investing in courageous journalists shaping the future of media for years to come, please visit TFAS.org/support.

Michelle Le,  ’95, ’96, TFAS Vice President of International Programs + Continuing Education, says donor support is vital for the continuation of the program.

“Without the support of our generous donors, we would not be able to launch the Media Accelerator program, which is building up the next generation of courageous journalists,” said Le. “We are grateful for the ability to continue to expand the Center for Excellence in Journalism and to build innovative programming for young professionals.”

“Without the support of our generous donors, we would not be able to launch the Media Accelerator program, which is building up the next generation of courageous journalists.” – Michelle Le,  ’95, ’96 Vice President, International Programs + Continuing Education

Through in-depth training and engagement with leading journalists and policy experts, Fellows sharpen their reporting skills and incorporate the principles of liberty into their work, preparing them to lead with clarity and purpose in today’s fast-changing media environment.

To learn more about the program or apply for the 2025–26 cohort, visit TFAS.org/MAF. The application deadline is June 20, 2025. To nominate a candidate for the Media Accelerator Fellowship, visit maf.connect.TFAS.org.