2008 Michigan State University Knight Center
Fellowship in Environmental Journalism
Alaska: Reporting on the Climate Frontier August 13-16, 2008
FAQ
Download a printable version of the FAQ
Q: Is this trip just for reporters at major news organizations?
A: No. This is a unique opportunity for all print, broadcast and online reporters - especially those who likely
otherwise would never get the chance to visit Alaska.
Q: What will it cost me?
A: Your cost is $250.
Q: What about airfare?
A: We'll pay up to $750 for a round trip flight between your home and Anchorage. In many cases, that may cover the entire cost of your flight.
Q: That’s a great deal. Who’s paying for all this?
A: Your fee covers a very small part of the cost. The fellowship is provided by Michigan State University’s
Knight Center for Environmental Journalism with support from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
and from the Union of Concerned Scientists.
Q: Sounds good, but I can’t even spare that much. Can I still go?
A: There may be very limited funding for full scholarships. If that is the ONLY way you can go, note so on your
application and it will be considered separately.
Q: When is this?
A: Aug. 13, 2008, to Aug. 16, 2008.
Q: Just where in Alaska will I be going?
A: You’ll fly in and out of Anchorage, but most of the activities will take place near Seward. See the agenda.
Q: How do you decide who gets to go?
A: We want a group that represents a diversity of media type and size. Geographical diversity will be sought.
Those who make the best case for how listeners/viewers/readers benefit from their experience have the best
chance. Show us what you’ve done. Explain what you plan to do.
Q: Doesn’t that mean that journalists with the largest audiences have an inside edge?
A: No. Everyone’s audience is important. Tell us why your audience needs you to be there.
Q: Do I have to produce a story while I’m there?
A: Ask your boss. Often that’s a good way to get permission to attend something like this. But as far as we’re
concerned, we want you to concentrate on learning. Come gather knowledge and background that can inform
your reporting over the long term.
Q: Do I have to be a fulltime environmental reporter?
A: You need fulltime employment as a journalist. We recognize that there are limited environmental reporting
gigs out there. Demonstrate a commitment to reporting about the environment, regardless of your “official”
beat.
Q: Can I stay longer if I pay my way?
A: Sure. The fellowship covers one round trip ticket between your home and Anchorage. It also pays for lodging, transportation and meals from August 13 to August 16. You can arrange your flight to accommodate a
longer stay, but you are responsible for your own costs outside of the fellowship dates.
Q: Can students apply?
A: Only if they are working as full-time professional journalists.
Q: Are freelancers eligible?
A: Yes, if that is their main source of income and they demonstrate proof of a body of professionally
published work.
Q: When’s the application deadline?
A: April 1, 2008
Q: When will I know if I’m accepted?
A: You’ll be notified by e-mail by April 11, 2008.
Q: What happens next?
A: You’ll immediately pay a non-refundable $250 to reserve your spot. Otherwise it will be given to someone
else.
Q: Should I apply?
A: C’mon, how can you pass up a once-in-a-lifetime chance to cover the biggest story on the planet? If you
qualify, give it a shot.
Q: What is Michigan State University’s Knight Center for Environmental Journalism?
A: We teach undergraduate and graduate students and professional journalists how to better report on the environment.
Learn more at http://ej.msu.edu/about.php Be sure to click the link to the video with a brief overview.
Q: What is the John L. and James S. Knight Foundation?
A: It is the leading foundation providing support for journalism education in the United States. It provides most
of the support for the Knight Center for Environmental Journalism. Learn more at http://www.knightfoundation.
org/
Q: What is the Union of Concerned Scientists?
A: It’s a leading science-based nonprofit group of scientists and citizens working for a healthy environment and a safer world.
Learn more at http://www.ucsusa.org/ucs/about/
Q: What if this document doesn’t answer all my questions?
A: E-mail David Poulson, associate director of Michigan State University’s Knight Center for Environmental
Journalism, at Poulson@msu.edu.
