Now Accepting Applications for 2015 Novak Fellowships: www.TFAS.org/Novak

More than twenty past and present Robert Novak Journalism Fellows gathered at the University Club in Washington, D.C. for their 14th annual fall retreat on Nov. 8, 2014. The annual event provides Novak fellows the opportunity to network, hear about projects their counterparts are working on and to learn from writers and thinkers who are at the top of the field. For many alumni, the retreat is also a chance to gain a renewed vigor for the journalism field.

“Each time I attend one of the Novak gatherings, I leave with new ideas of my own and a passion to become a better, savvier writer,” said attendee Christopher White (Novak 13). “Plus, the spirit of Bob Novak still looms large, so it’s a good occasion to remember our namesake and the high standard he set for anyone interested in telling the truth.”

MediaDC CEO Lou Ann Sabatier set an energetic pace for this year’s retreat with a lively discussion on why it’s important for journalists to embrace social media tools. Sabatier’s MediaDC is the publisher of both the Washington Examiner and The Weekly Standard.

Afterward, the fellows shifted their focus to the recent 2014 elections, which took place just four days before the retreat. TFAS trustee and executive editor of The Weekly Standard, Fred Barnes, was present to give his post-election outlook and to answer fellows’ questions on covering politics in Washington.

Journalists Tom Peter (Novak 13), Carmen Gentile and David Jackson also provided timely advice, leading a panel discussion on “How to be a Freelance Foreign Correspondent in the 21st Century.” The experienced reporters shared personal accounts of covering conflict and major news stories for some of the world’s leading publications.

The retreat concluded with drinks and dinner at the Beacon Bar and Grill in D.C. Fellows attended the retreat from across the country.

APPLY FOR THE 2015 ROBERT NOVAK JOURNALISM FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
TFAS is currently accepting applications for the 2015 Robert Novak Journalism Fellowship Program. Novak Fellowships award $50,000 and $25,000 fellowships for print and online journalists with less than 10 years of professional experience. Learn more and apply today at www.TFAS.org/Novak.