The Fund for American Studies (TFAS) announced the launch of a new Center for Excellence in Journalism (CEJ). The CEJ, which will formally begin its work in the fall semester of 2023, is the latest in TFAS’s long history of efforts to advance the field of journalism.

Objectivity and fairness in the media are on a steady decline, and today many in the industry seek to promote a set of political beliefs rather than simply reporting the facts. At the same time, fewer conservative- and libertarian-minded journalists are being provided with early opportunities to build successful careers in the press. This has resulted in a skewed and biased media landscape.

TFAS seeks to continue to address these concerns and more by offering world-class journalism training for students nationwide. The CEJ’s new Student Journalism Association will recruit students with a passion for writing at elite universities and other institutions of higher education, as well as work with high-quality campus publications. By supporting campus publications and young journalists through a series of trainings, seminars, conferences and grants, TFAS will develop the next generation of courageous journalists, support more ideological diversity in the media, and promote honest reporting and the seeking of truth over political agendas.

We need the next generation of young journalists to help restore ethical standards in journalism that include reporting the facts without political bias or pushing an agenda. The Center for Excellence in Journalism will empower their future reporting work.” – Roger Ream ’76, TFAS President

“Between partisanship, censorship and cancel culture, traditional American journalism is at greater risk of irrelevancy than ever before. TFAS is proud to continue to do our part in changing the way media operates,” said Roger Ream ’76, TFAS President. “We need the next generation of young journalists to help restore ethical standards in journalism that include reporting the facts without political bias or pushing an agenda. The Center for Excellence in Journalism will empower their future reporting work.”

TFAS is pleased to share that Ryan Wolfe, TFAS manager of continuing education programs, will step into the role of director of the CEJ. Wolfe previously managed several of TFAS’s professional journalism fellowships, and he will now oversee the operations of the new center.

As an established leader in journalism and education for nearly six decades, TFAS is a natural fit for the mission and vision of the new center. TFAS’s current work in journalism consists of the Robert Novak Journalism Fellowship, the Joseph Rago Memorial Fellowship for Excellence in Journalism, the Journalism + Communications Summer Program, and the annual Journalism Awards Dinner, all of which will refocus and reinvigorate efforts under the new center.