Omidyar Network has opened applications for its 2025 Reporters in Residence Programme, designed to support freelance journalists in producing in-depth, impactful stories that drive national conversations and influence policy.
About Omidyar Network
Omidyar Network is a philanthropic organisation that leverages digital technology to foster innovation and positive change in the media industry.
About the Programme
The Reporters in Residence Programme provides selected journalists with the resources, networks, and support needed to dedicate more time to investigative and nuanced reporting. Participants will have the opportunity to develop and publish approximately one story per month, focusing on key issues shaping the digital landscape.
Responsibilities
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Pitch and publish one piece per month related to their core topic area.
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Attend at least one in-person gathering at Omidyar Network’s offices in Washington, DC or Redwood City, CA (virtual participation available for those unable to travel).
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Maintain regular check-ins (approximately twice per month) with the Omidyar Network team.
Benefits
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Monthly stipend of $8,000, plus a $2,000 travel budget, totalling $50,000 over the six-month program (July to December 2025).
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Final-round candidates who are not selected will receive a $2,500 stipend.
Eligibility Criteria
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Open to freelance journalists from any medium with at least five years of published experience (no degree required).
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Applicants should have a track record of stories that have remained relevant for at least 12 months.
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Reporting should focus on emerging rules, institutions, norms, and narratives shaping the digital world, with priority given to topics such as:
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Inclusive participation in digital technology design and governance.
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Market concentration, competition, and their impacts on innovation and safety.
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The intersection of technology and worker power.
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Open source and public options, including generative AI.
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Tech governance, including policies, regulations, and accountability structures.
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Other beats exploring how digital technology can serve a diverse range of audiences are also welcome.
How to Apply
Applications are open from May 1 to May 30, 2025, with the new cohort announced the week of June 23, 2025.
To apply, submit:
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Your resume
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Your location
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Social media handles
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Links to three clips
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A short statement (under 1,000 words) detailing the stories you would aim to cover with additional support
Submit your application here.
Omidyar Network has launched its 2025 Reporters in Residence Programme to support freelance journalists in producing in-depth and impactful stories that drive national conversations and influence policy. The programme provides participating journalists with resources, networks, and support for investigative reporting, allowing them to develop and publish one story per month focusing on issues shaping the digital landscape. Responsibilities include pitching and publishing stories, attending gatherings in Washington D.C. or Redwood City (with virtual options), and maintaining regular check-ins with Omidyar Network staff.
Benefits of the program include a monthly stipend of $8,000, a $2,000 travel budget, with a total of $50,000 over six months, plus a stipend for final-round non-selected candidates. Eligibility is open to freelance journalists with five years of published experience and a portfolio of relevant stories. The reporting should cover emerging digital rules, market competition, tech-worker intersection, open source options, and tech governance. Applications are open from May 1 to May 30, 2025, requiring a resume, location, social media handles, links to three clips, and a proposal of intended stories. Applications can be submitted on their website.
