The C. Edwin Baker Media Policy Fellowship is the premier fellowship program for graduate students interested in the intersection of media and communications scholarship and policy advocacy. Through the fellowship graduate students are given the opportunity to connect their research and coursework to the critical media policy issues of our time. C. Edwin Baker fellows will practice engaged scholarship, helping to build the intellectual foundation for future public interest media policy. Fellows work closely with our policy, research and campaign teams, and receive mentoring and training throughout their term.

The C. Edwin Baker Media Policy Fellowship program is supported through a generous gift from his estate.

Each year, Free Press will award two fellowships for graduate students interested in gaining practical experience in media policy research and organizing. The fellowships will last approximately 12 weeks and are based in either Free Press’s Washington, D.C. or Florence, Mass. office. Stipends of up to $6,000 are available. Fellowships will be available for spring, summer and fall placements.

Internship focus areas include: research on current and potential opportunities to shape media policy in the public’s interest; and education and organizing to engage people in media policy making. In addition to these focus areas. Fellows will be expected to put their research into action by participating in outreach and educational opportunities, strategic meetings, and contributing to Free Press blogs.

The ideal candidate is someone who embodies the values of C. Edwin Baker, who was not only a widely respected scholar of the first amendment but also an active defender of public interest media policy who spoke out publicly and sought to shape the policy making process.

Candidates do not need to be studying in media or communications departments, and we encourage applications from all disciplines. However, applicants should understand and be comfortable with the nature of Free Press’ work in many areas of media reform, including public interest advocacy, coalition-building, grassroots outreach, advertising, conference organization, and website production and maintenance. They must be eager to work in an atmosphere where circumstances are constantly in flux as situations in Washington and elsewhere change in response to the social and political climate. Excellent organizational, communications and research skills are essential. Some knowledge of federal legislative and regulatory processes is required. A working knowledge of media issues is highly recommended. Excellent writing and public speaking skills, as well as facility with word processing, spreadsheet and Internet software is vital.

The deadline for applications is:

• Summer fellowships: April 1
• Fall fellowships: July 15
• Spring fellowships: November 1

How to Apply: In addition to any requirements from your academic institution or department, applicants must complete our online internship and fellowship application.

About C. Edwin Baker

C. Edwin Baker was one of the country’s preeminent scholars of media policy and the First Amendment. As the Nicholas F. Gallicchio Professor of Law and Communication at the University of Pennsylvania Law School, Baker was a respected authority in the fields of constitutional law, communications law and free speech. However, his impact did not end at the campus gates. Indeed, Baker was a tireless advocate and public intellectual who testified regularly on Capitol Hill, advised numerous nonprofit organizations and helped shape some of the most pressing debates of our time. Baker helped advise Free Press on numerous occasions and was instrumental in the establishment of Free Press’s SaveTheNews.org campaign. Read our remembrance of him on the SaveTheNews.org blog here.

Questions? Email Journalism and Public Media Director Josh Stearns.