Maharat Foundation, in collaboration with the Media and Journalism Research Center (MJRC), is launching a fellowship program on media reform and AI governance aimed at supporting journalists in Lebanon to engage with ongoing reforms and technological transformations shaping the media landscape.

The fellowship is part of the project “Media Reform to Enhance Freedom of Expression in Lebanon” supported by the European Union.

It builds on the first phase of the project, aiming to strengthen journalists’ role as watchdogs, promote freedom of expression, and support media pluralism in an evolving digital environment.

The Media and Journalism Research Center (MJRC) is an independent think tank that seeks to improve the quality of media policymaking and the state of independent journalism through research and knowledge sharing.

About the Fellowship

Drawing on Maharat and MJRC’s expertise, this fellowship, which will run from June to November, will consolidate journalists’ capacity to accompany the implementation of media reforms while addressing emerging challenges linked to AI governance and information integrity.

The program will select five fellows who will contribute to the production and publication of high-quality, evidence-based, investigative stories.

Fellowship Components

The fellowship will include a structured exchange and mentorship component involving invited experts and mentors.
 

The selected participants will benefit from:

1. Structured Exchange Sessions

Through tailored sessions, fellows will gain applied understanding of AI’s implications for journalism and regulation, addressing themes such as:

- Monetisation models for media outlets in the AI era;

- The transformation of content production, including automation and risks of disinformation;

- Positive use of AI to reach underrepresented communities and new audiences;

- The transition of journalism from a story-production model to a service-oriented, data-driven model;

- Regulatory and ethical frameworks for AI transparency, accountability, and fairness.

2. Mentorship and Editorial Support

Maharat and MJRC experts will provide continuous mentoring, including: 

- Project Incubation: Strategic input on fellows' outputs (stories, policy papers, or guidelines).

- Technical Troubleshooting: Real-time support in applying specific AI tools to professional workflows.

3. Production and Publication

Each fellow is expected to produce:

- At least one long-form investigation or policy analysis on the intersection of journalism, AI, and media reform. 

- Outputs will be shared with policymakers and integrated into public dialogue platforms.

4. Financial Support

- A modest stipend to support production efforts.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

- Be journalists, reporters, or producers (freelance or affiliated with media organizations)

- Demonstrate interest in:

* AI and journalism

* Digital transformation

* Public-interest reporting

- Submit a strong story or policy proposal demonstrating quality, relevance, and feasibility. 

- Be able to commit to the full duration of the six-month fellowship.

- Adhere to professional and ethical journalism standards

How to Apply

Interested applicants may submit their application through the following Google form. Click here.
 

Deadline to submit applications: 20 May 2026