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More details, and friction, around Washington news fellowship | Free Press Initiative

Washington State University and Report for America are expanding their fellowship program to place temporary reporters in all 39 Washington counties starting in January. The initiative seeks to restore local news capacity across the state.
After state legislators halved original funding, WSU partnered with Report for America to seek donations, including $500,000 from Microsoft. They expect the expanded program to cost $10 million over five years.
During a question-and-answer session Tuesday, newsroom owners raised concerns that mandatory $62,000 salaries "artificially inflates" the market. Lynnwood Times owner Mario Lotmore said the requirement forces him to provide raises to existing employees to maintain fairness.
Kim Kleman, executive director of Report for America, said the funding formula is "geared to wean you off our support" as reporting gains traction. Some newsrooms remain desperate for help and may apply despite concerns.
Ben Shors, journalism chair at Murrow College, said the program's core priority is ensuring "baseline coverage of county government and civic affairs." Supporters hope this model becomes a national standard for addressing news deserts.

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