example of application letter for journalist

8 Professional Journalist Cover Letter Examples for 2024

In your journalist cover letter, showcase your ability to tell a story compellingly. Highlight your knack for uncovering the truth and connecting with readers. Demonstrate your versatility across different media platforms. Your cover letter should also reflect your understanding of the ever-evolving journalistic landscape.

All cover letter examples in this guide

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Cover letter guide.

Journalist Cover Letter Sample

Cover Letter Format

Cover Letter Salutation

Cover Letter Introduction

Cover Letter Body

Cover Letter Closing

No Experience Journalist Cover Letter

Key Takeaways

By Experience

Crafting a journalist cover letter can be a daunting step in the job application process. You've meticulously updated your resume and now realize a cover letter is required—one that doesn't just mimic your resume, but spotlights your proudest journalistic triumph through an engaging narrative. Striking a balance between formality and originality, avoiding clichés, and condensing your story into a single page adds to the challenge. Let's navigate these hurdles together and pen a cover letter that stands out.

• Create a journalist cover letter to persuade the recruiters you're the best candidate for the role;
• Use industry-leading journalist cover letter templates and examples to save time;
• Dedicate your journalist cover letter space to your best achievement;
• Make sure your journalist cover letter meets recruiters' expectations and standards.

Avoid starting at the blank page for hours by using Enhancv's AI - just upload your resume and your journalist cover letter will be ready for you to (tweak and) submit for your dream job.

If the journalist isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:

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Journalist cover letter example

San Francisco, CA

+1-(234)-555-1234

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• Highlighting relevant experience such as the exclusive scoop on AI in autonomous vehicles showcases the candidate's ability to deliver impactful and newsworthy content, which is crucial for a journalist role.
• Emphasizing the results of the candidate's work, including the 30% increase in website traffic, demonstrates data-driven accomplishments and an understanding of audience engagement, both important for a digital publication.
• Expressing enthusiasm and alignment with the publication's standards and goals suggests a cultural fit and an appreciation of the company's values, making the candidate potentially more appealing to the hiring manager.

Structuring and formatting your journalist cover letter

Here's what the structure of your journalist cover letter should include:

• Header (with your name, the position you're applying for, and the date);
• Salutation (or greeting);
• Introductory paragraph (or your opening statement);
• Body paragraph (or further proof of your experience);
• Closing paragraph (with a call to action);
• Signature (that is optional).

Use the same font for your journalist resume and cover letter - modern fonts like Lato and Rubik would help you stand out.

Your journalist cover letter should be single-spaced and have a one-inch margins - this format is automatically set up in our cover letter templates and our cover letter builder .

When submitting your cover letter, always ensure it's in PDF, as this format keeps the information intact (and the quality of your document stays the same).

On one final note - the Applicant Tracker System (ATS or the software that is sometimes used to initially assess your application) won't read your journalist cover letter.

The top sections on a journalist cover letter

• Header: Include your contact information at the top of the cover letter so the recruiter can easily reach you; for journalists, having a professional header signals attention to presentation and detail, which are relevant to the role.
• Personalized Greeting: Research and use the name of the hiring manager or editor; personalization shows you've done your homework, an essential trait for a journalist.
• Introduction: Begin with a compelling hook and showcase your passion for journalism; this sets the tone and demonstrates your storytelling ability.
• Career Highlights: Detail relevant reporting experiences, key stories covered, or significant achievements in journalism; this section shows your practical expertise and credibility in the field.
• Closing Paragraph: Conclude with a strong finish, reiterating your enthusiasm for the position and explaining how you plan to contribute to their team; as a journalist, your concluding remarks should leave a lasting impression, prompting the recruiter to take action.

Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter

• Strong writing and storytelling skills: Demonstrates the ability to create compelling content that engages readers.
• Nose for news: Shows an instinct for digging up newsworthy stories that are relevant and interesting to the audience.
• Investigative research abilities: Reflects the capacity to conduct thorough and accurate research, crucial for credibility and in-depth reporting.
• Multimedia proficiency: Indicates the capability to use various platforms and tools, like video, audio, and social media, for modern, multi-channel journalism.
• Ethical integrity: Recruiters look for journalists who adhere to high ethical standards, maintaining trustworthiness and impartiality.
• Resilience under pressure: Illustrates the potential to perform efficiently against tight deadlines and in potentially stressful or dangerous situations.

Kick off your journalist cover letter: the salutation or greeting

When writing your journalist cover letter, remember that you're not writing for some complex AI or robot, but for actual human beings.

And recruiters, while on the lookout to understand your experience, would enjoy seeing a cover letter that is tailored to the role and addresses them . Personally.

So, if you haven't done so, invest some time in finding out who's the hiring manager for the role you're applying to. A good place to start would be LinkedIn and the corporate website.

Alternatively, you could also get in touch with the company to find out more information about the role and the name of the recruiter.

If you haven't met the hiring manager, yet, your journalist cover letter salutation should be on a last-name basis (e.g. "Dear Mr. Donaldson" or "Dear Ms. Estephan").

A good old, "Dear HR Professional" (or something along those lines) could work as your last resort if you're struggling to find out the recruiter's name.

List of salutations you can use

• Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],
• Dear [Editor-in-Chief's Name],
• Dear [Mr./Ms./Dr. Last Name],
• Dear [Publication Name] Team,
• Dear [Department Name] Search Committee,
• Dear [Hiring Manager's Title],

Your journalist cover letter intro: showing your interest in the role

On to the actual content of your journalist cover letter and the introductory paragraph .

The intro should be no more than two sentences long and presents you in the best light possible.

Use your journalist cover letter introduction to prove exactly what interests you in the role or organization. Is it the:

• Company culture;
• Growth opportunities;
• Projects and awards the team worked on/won in the past year;
• Specific technologies the department uses.

When writing your journalist cover letter intro, be precise and sound enthusiastic about the role.

Your introduction should hint to recruiters that you're excited about the opportunity and that you possess an array of soft skills, e.g. motivation, determination, work ethic, etc.

Storytelling in the middle (or body) of your journalist cover letter

You've got your whole resume sorted, detailing your achievements and skills. What else can you write in your journalist cover letter ?

For starters, take the time to re-assess the job requirements and re-discover the most crucial skills and requirements (or keywords).

After making a list of these important keywords, look back on your experience to select just one of your past accomplishments.

Choose the achievement that is the most noteworthy, relevant to the role, and matches the required skills.

Use the next between three and six paragraphs to narrate how:

• you've grown your skill set, thanks to your achievement;
• you'd use the know-how you've gained in your new role;
• your accomplishment could help your potential employers grow.

Remember that recruiters don't need a retelling of your whole resume, but want to find out what makes you, you.

Final words: writing your journalist cover letter closing paragraph

The final paragraph of your journalist cover letter allows you that one final chance to make a great first impression .

Instead of going straight to the "sincerely yours" ending, you can back up your skills with a promise of:

• how you see yourself growing into the role;
• the unique skills you'd bring to the organization.

Whatever you choose, always be specific (and remember to uphold your promise, once you land the role).

If this option doesn't seem that appealing to you, close off your journalist cover letter with a follow-up request.

You could even provide your availability for interviews so that the recruiters would be able to easily arrange your first meeting.

Which story should you tell in your journalist cover letter when you have zero experience

Candidates, lacking professional experience in the field - this one is for you.

Your journalist cover letter is an exercise of integrity, honesty, and, above all, spinning a positive narrative around your strengths.

And what better way to capture recruiters' attention than with your most job-relevant achievement (this could be from your internship or volunteering experience)?

Make sure to back up your success with transferrable skills that are relevant to the job (e.g. how your year, studying abroad, has taught you to be more motivated and handle multicultural environments).

Another safe card you can bet on is your career dream: in the body of your journalist cover letter, go into the details of how your ambitions would help make the company you're applying for better.

Key takeaways

Within this Enhancv guide, we've provided you with plenty of advice and inspiration on writing your journalist cover letter:

• Always make sure your journalist cover letter is tailored to the role you're applying for to make a good impression on recruiters;
• In your journalist cover letter include a header (with your name, the role you're applying for, date, and contact details) and an introduction of up to two sentences that highlight your key accomplishment or why you'd fit the role;
• Focus your journalist cover letter body on one sole achievement through your career and all the valuable lessons, skills, and know-how you've learned (that are relevant to the role);
• Ensure your journalist cover letter closing statement isn't generic and includes either a call to action or a promise;
• If you lack professional experience, shift recruiters' focus to a relevant achievement (thanks to your academic or versatile experience) or toward your dreams and goals for professional growth.

Journalist cover letter examples

Explore additional journalist cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

Cover letter examples by industry

AI cover letter writer, powered by ChatGPT

Enhancv harnesses the capabilities of ChatGPT to provide a streamlined interface designed specifically focused on composing a compelling cover letter without the hassle of thinking about formatting and wording.

• Content tailored to the job posting you're applying for
• ChatGPT model specifically trained by Enhancv
• Lightning-fast responses

How to Answer The "How Did You Hear About This Job" Interview Question

What's the best way to address a cover letter, how to get a job referral, how to list patent on resume, cv design: 3 unique curriculum vitae designs for 2024, how to write a second interview thank-you email (template included).

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from training.npr.org: https://training.npr.org/2021/03/05/how-to-write-a-cover-letter-for-a-public-media-job-or-internship/

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My letterhead doesn’t have to be fancy, it just has to exist!

Dear Specific Person Whose Name I Obtained, Showing I Have Reporting Skills,*

I am starting this cover letter with literally ANYTHING other than “I am applying for [job].” Also I’m not telling you how I found the job listing, unless someone influential told me to apply. Yes, I am defying the advice of my career center, professor and/or friend who is applying to law/automotive/sales jobs. And my name’s in the letterhead so I don’t need to mention it again.

Instead, I will use my first 100 words or less to tell you something interesting — yet relevant to the job — that will make you want to talk to me. Because that’s what this is all about: Scoring an interview so I can dazzle you! Maybe that thing will not be how I reported on a Sad Person and learned a Valuable Lesson About Journalism, though, because everyone is doing that and also this isn’t a college admissions essay.

Now, instead of listing ALL my awesome experiences and achievements, since they are already on my resume, I will look at the job requirements and curate accordingly. I will make clear how my experiences/achievements prepare me for this particular job , which I researched extensively to see what, exactly, it is! Because I’m definitely not applying for all 20 openings at your organization. Or maybe I am (Wait, you can see that in your recruitment software?!), but THIS is the job I REALLY want. And it’s not because I’m PERFECT for the position (pobody’s nerfect! haha) or a great fit (because what am I, jeans?).

Next I’ll tell you what I can do for your organization besides work hard and utilize my strong track record in communication skills and high proficiency with Microsoft Word! I will skip the part about how this will advance my goals, which are to grow in my career, master new skills and have health insurance. Rather, I’ll tell you how I will advance your goals.

I will not make this paragraph about how I love [station/show/podcast] because I grew up listening to it in the backseat of my parents’ car, nor will I remind you that your organization is an esteemed news outlet with high standards that serves the public. I will give examples of work you do that I liked (and why), preferably at least two. Oh yeah, and I def won’t tell you how much I love a podcast your competitor produces. (That would be silly, I say as I delete a reference to The Daily .) Nor will I confuse Idaho Matters and Talk of Iowa . Thank goodness I always ask someone to proofread my letters and they caught that embarrassing mistake!

After reviewing your job description, it’s clear that you’re looking for a candidate that is extremely familiar with the responsibilities associated with this role, and can perform them confidently. Given these requirements, I am certain that I have the necessary skills to successfully do the job adeptly and perform above expectations. What? I’d never cut and paste a paragraph I found in a random template ! You must have me confused with 40% of your applicant pool.

Finally, I will not use words more suited for accepting a marriage proposal to express my excitement about this job! Yes I would love it, be honored to have it and be passionate about every aspect of it! But I will use normal words. And, because I am not a free online career personality test, my ability to craft phrases like “successfully utilize my core competencies and soft skills in the workspace” will remain implied. In conclusion, I bet you’re aware I’m available for an interview at your convenience. Thank you for your consideration.

P.S. I saved this as a PDF so it will open in your browser, instead of a .docx file that will download and pollute your already-overflowing desktop. You’re welcome! Did you know I’m proficient in Microsoft Word?

How to make all-purpose letterhead

• Choose a sans-serif font with a heavy bold face. Proxima Nova is safe enough .
• Type your name. Make it between 25 and 30 points.
• Now choose a thinner version of your font.
• Type your email address, phone number and website URL. Separate them with this character: |
• Optionally, include your street address (but why?) and non-embarrassing social accounts.
• Make this stuff between 10 and 12 points.
• Feeling dangerous? Add a horizontal line!

How to add your signature

There are several phone apps that will “scan” a document:

Notes instructions (iOS) Dropbox instructions (iOS, Android) Any free scanning app in either app store

You don’t need photo editing software to crop your “scan.” Do this:

• Get the PDF or image created by the app onto your computer.
• Open the file in anything that opens files.
• Take a screenshot of just your signature. On a Mac, use Command-Shift-4 to do this. On a PC, use the Snipping Tool .
• Drag the screenshot into your document.

*Or team name  (updated 1/18/2022).

Holly J. Morris is the NPR Training team's Digital Journalism Trainer. 

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Journalist Cover Letter Examples

Use these Journalist cover letter examples to help you write a powerful cover letter that will separate you from the competition.

Journalists gather, write, and edit news stories for newspapers, magazines, websites, and other media outlets. They need to be able to think quickly and be able to meet deadlines.

In order to get a job as a journalist, you need to have a well-written cover letter. Use these examples to learn how to write a cover letter that will help you get the job you want.

Formal/Professional Writing Style Example

With a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and more than five years of experience in the field, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your team and help maintain the esteemed reputation of your publication.

Throughout my career, I have successfully covered various topics, including politics, business, and local events, producing accurate and engaging content. My work has been featured in numerous publications, both online and in print, demonstrating my ability to adapt to different audiences and writing styles. I am adept at conducting thorough research, analyzing complex information and data, and presenting it in an easy-to-understand format for readers.

In addition to my journalism skills, I bring a strong work ethic, commitment to meet tight deadlines, and excellent communication skills. I am also comfortable using a variety of multimedia tools and platforms, including photography and video production, to enhance my storytelling capabilities.

I have followed your publication closely, and I appreciate the in-depth reporting and journalistic integrity you bring to your readers. I am excited about the possibility of becoming a part of your team and using my skills and experiences to contribute to your continued success.

Please find my resume attached for your review. I would welcome the opportunity to further discuss my suitability for the position and to learn more about your organization. I am available for an interview at your convenience and can be reached via email or phone.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your esteemed publication.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]

Entry-Level Writing Style Example

As a recent graduate from XYZ University with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Communications, I am eager to begin my career as a journalist and contribute to the outstanding reputation of your esteemed publication.

During my time at XYZ University, I gained valuable experience as a staff writer for our campus newspaper, The Daily Beacon, where I covered a diverse range of topics, including local news, politics, and feature stories. I have honed my writing, research, and interviewing skills through a rigorous academic program and by contributing regularly to the newspaper.

In addition, I completed an internship at the respected ABC News, where I closely collaborated with experienced journalists, learned how to gather and fact-check information and developed the ability to work under tight deadlines.

As an enthusiastic and highly motivated individual, I am confident that my passion for journalism, strong work ethic, and commitment to storytelling would make me an excellent fit for the Journalist position at your publication. I am eager to contribute fresh perspectives, original ideas, and engaging content to your readership.

I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss how my skills and experiences can be beneficial to your organization. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Networking/Referral Writing Style Example

I was thrilled to learn about this opportunity from my close associate, John Doe, who is currently a Senior Editor at your company. John and I have collaborated on several journalistic endeavors, and he believes that my extensive experience, passion for storytelling, and commitment to journalistic integrity would make me an asset to your team.

During my five years as a reporter for the Daily Tribune, I have honed my writing and analytical skills, effectively elevating the voices of the local community and generating impactful stories. My ability to research thoroughly, delve into complex topics, and present them in a compelling and engaging manner have been consistently praised by both my colleagues and readers. Additionally, my experience in conducting interviews and working under tight deadlines has prepared me to thrive in a fast-paced news environment.

As someone who deeply values the impact of journalism on society, I am eager to contribute my skills to a forward-thinking and reputable organization such as yours. Given my strong alignment with your company’s values and my passion to create quality content, I believe that I would be an excellent fit for this role.

I have attached my résumé for your review, and I would be grateful for the opportunity to further discuss my qualifications with you. Please do not hesitate to contact me at your earliest convenience.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the possibility of joining your team.

Enthusiastic/Passionate Writing Style Example

From the moment I stumbled upon the power of storytelling, journalism has held a special place in my heart, and the opportunity to contribute to your renowned publication has me incredibly excited. Having followed your publication and its trailblazing coverage of national and international events, I am eager to add my voice, energy, and dedication to your talented team of journalists.

With a degree in Journalism and Media Studies and internships at both local and national newspapers under my belt, I am well-equipped with the skills necessary to excel in a fast-paced news environment. My experience in conducting in-depth interviews, thorough investigative research, and crafting comprehensive and compelling stories has prepared me to hit the ground running and make an immediate impact on your newsroom. I am also proficient in various multimedia platforms, including video/audio editing and social media management, which I believe will be an added asset to your team.

What truly excites me about this opportunity is the chance to cover ground-breaking stories and engage in meaningful, impactful work. I firmly believe that journalism plays a critical role in enlightening people and fostering constructive dialogues, and I am committed to upholding these values as an integral part of your organization.

I have attached my resume for your review and would welcome the opportunity to further discuss how my passion, skills, and experience can contribute to your publication’s continued success. Thank you for considering my application, and I look forward to the prospect of joining your prestigious team.

Warm regards,

Problem-Solving Writing Style Example

As a dedicated and passionate writer, I have been closely following your publication’s growth and impact over the past few years. It has come to my attention that there is an increasing need for journalists who not only report the news, but present it in a solutions-oriented manner. In today’s fast-paced and problem-saturated news cycle, I believe that focusing on solutions is the key to engaging readers and empowering them to make a difference in their communities. I am confident that my skills and experiences in writing and solution-focused journalism make me a strong candidate for this role.

In my previous role as a reporter for XYZ News, I covered a variety of beats, including education, environment, and local politics. I consistently prioritized presenting stories that highlighted potential solutions and provided resources for readers to get involved in tackling issues. This approach led to a significant increase in reader engagement—a measurable outcome of my contributions to the publication.

Throughout my journalism career, I developed exceptional interviewing and research skills. My ability to connect with sources, ask the right questions, and identify the root causes of pressing issues has allowed me to uncover and emphasize innovative solutions in my writing. This unique perspective will undoubtedly contribute to your publication’s ongoing commitment to being a force for positivity and change.

I am excited about the prospect of joining your talented team and further cultivating my skills as a solutions-oriented journalist. I am confident that my passion for uncovering innovative solutions and my experiences in the field will make a significant impact at your organization.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further and explore how I can contribute to accomplishing your company’s mission and goals.

Storytelling/Narrative Writing Style Example

Once upon a not-so-distant past, I found myself caught in the middle of a bustling city square, notebook clutched tightly in my hand, as I jotted down the thoughts and sentiments of impassioned protesters demanding change. It was in that moment, as the voices of the people echoed around me and the adrenaline surged through my veins, that I realized the power of storytelling and the impact it could have on the world.

As an experienced and passionate writer, I am eager to bring my skills to your organization and continue my journey as a journalist. My love for storytelling began in college, where I majored in journalism and had the opportunity to intern at a local newspaper. There, I learned the ins and outs of the industry and honed my ability to write clear, concise, and engaging articles on a variety of topics.

Since then, I have worked as a freelance journalist, covering everything from local events to international news stories. My adaptability and resourcefulness have allowed me to thrive in this ever-changing field, and I believe these traits would make me an invaluable asset to your team.

But beyond my technical skills and experience, I also bring a deep passion for journalism and a strong sense of integrity. I am committed to telling the stories that need to be told, giving a voice to the voiceless, and sparking conversations that can lead to positive change.

I am excited about the opportunity to join your esteemed organization and contribute to its mission of delivering high-quality, impactful journalism. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with your needs.

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Application for Employment as a Journalist

Application letter for news reporter. Sample cover letter for media job. Application for the post of reporter. Broadcast journalism cover letter. TV reporter cover letter. Cover letter for media internship. Cover letter for journalism internship examples.

This is to inform you that I want to apply for the working journalist in your channel, so please allow me to apply as working journalist, as currently I am working as a reporter. It’s a humble request to approve my application; it would be great source of pleasure for me.

Hoping for the positive response

Thanks. Sincerely,

Application Letter for a Journalist

Dear BBC news,

I am writing to you because I saw that you are advertising for a journalist. If the position is still available I would like to apply. I am good at working on my own. I like to go out into the world, and search for the truth. I am good at meeting strict deadlines for my reports, and I am very good at English my vocabulary is very big. I have always wanted to work for a big news firm.

I think that I would be good for this as I am determined, and motivated to go to places no news reporter wants to go, and get the story that no one wants to get because they think that it is too dangerous. I hope that you will give me this opportunity that I have been waiting for.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs. Lawson

Cover Letter for a Journalist

To, XYZ News Channel.

Dear Concerned Officer, I am a National Geographic Certified Journalist, who just moved to New York about a month ago. After completing my journalism from University of Toronto, I dedicated myself to the field as a career, and as a hobby. Working for National Geographic as their lead journalist was like a dream came true, but dream soon come to an end, and ended when my visa expired, and I couldn’t get to renew it.

However, I am not rusty at all, and have been working for some local channels as an assistant journalist since I left National Geographic. I have been following your news channel since quite some time now, and I envy the way you deliver, the way you raise your voice, and the way you hypnotize the viewers. It’s absolutely brilliant.

I would love to be a part of your team, and put my services as a “Lead Journalist” on the test. I hope you will find my employment application satisfying, and good enough to consider. I am attaching my CV along with this letter. Waiting for your response

Thanking you, XYZ

Job Application as a Journalist

Dear Sir / Ma’am,

With due respect, here I am writing you for the vacancy of job as the journalist. I heard about your job vacancy from a newspaper, I feel that I am eligible. I would be very thankful to you if you will make it noticed.

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NPR defends its journalism after senior editor says it has lost the public's trust

David Folkenflik

NPR is defending its journalism and integrity after a senior editor wrote an essay accusing it of losing the public's trust. Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

NPR is defending its journalism and integrity after a senior editor wrote an essay accusing it of losing the public's trust.

NPR's top news executive defended its journalism and its commitment to reflecting a diverse array of views on Tuesday after a senior NPR editor wrote a broad critique of how the network has covered some of the most important stories of the age.

"An open-minded spirit no longer exists within NPR, and now, predictably, we don't have an audience that reflects America," writes Uri Berliner.

A strategic emphasis on diversity and inclusion on the basis of race, ethnicity and sexual orientation, promoted by NPR's former CEO, John Lansing, has fed "the absence of viewpoint diversity," Berliner writes.

NPR's chief news executive, Edith Chapin, wrote in a memo to staff Tuesday afternoon that she and the news leadership team strongly reject Berliner's assessment.

"We're proud to stand behind the exceptional work that our desks and shows do to cover a wide range of challenging stories," she wrote. "We believe that inclusion — among our staff, with our sourcing, and in our overall coverage — is critical to telling the nuanced stories of this country and our world."

NPR names tech executive Katherine Maher to lead in turbulent era

She added, "None of our work is above scrutiny or critique. We must have vigorous discussions in the newsroom about how we serve the public as a whole."

A spokesperson for NPR said Chapin, who also serves as the network's chief content officer, would have no further comment.

Praised by NPR's critics

Berliner is a senior editor on NPR's Business Desk. (Disclosure: I, too, am part of the Business Desk, and Berliner has edited many of my past stories. He did not see any version of this article or participate in its preparation before it was posted publicly.)

Berliner's essay , titled "I've Been at NPR for 25 years. Here's How We Lost America's Trust," was published by The Free Press, a website that has welcomed journalists who have concluded that mainstream news outlets have become reflexively liberal.

Berliner writes that as a Subaru-driving, Sarah Lawrence College graduate who "was raised by a lesbian peace activist mother ," he fits the mold of a loyal NPR fan.

Yet Berliner says NPR's news coverage has fallen short on some of the most controversial stories of recent years, from the question of whether former President Donald Trump colluded with Russia in the 2016 election, to the origins of the virus that causes COVID-19, to the significance and provenance of emails leaked from a laptop owned by Hunter Biden weeks before the 2020 election. In addition, he blasted NPR's coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

On each of these stories, Berliner asserts, NPR has suffered from groupthink due to too little diversity of viewpoints in the newsroom.

The essay ricocheted Tuesday around conservative media , with some labeling Berliner a whistleblower . Others picked it up on social media, including Elon Musk, who has lambasted NPR for leaving his social media site, X. (Musk emailed another NPR reporter a link to Berliner's article with a gibe that the reporter was a "quisling" — a World War II reference to someone who collaborates with the enemy.)

When asked for further comment late Tuesday, Berliner declined, saying the essay spoke for itself.

The arguments he raises — and counters — have percolated across U.S. newsrooms in recent years. The #MeToo sexual harassment scandals of 2016 and 2017 forced newsrooms to listen to and heed more junior colleagues. The social justice movement prompted by the killing of George Floyd in 2020 inspired a reckoning in many places. Newsroom leaders often appeared to stand on shaky ground.

Leaders at many newsrooms, including top editors at The New York Times and the Los Angeles Times , lost their jobs. Legendary Washington Post Executive Editor Martin Baron wrote in his memoir that he feared his bonds with the staff were "frayed beyond repair," especially over the degree of self-expression his journalists expected to exert on social media, before he decided to step down in early 2021.

Since then, Baron and others — including leaders of some of these newsrooms — have suggested that the pendulum has swung too far.

Author Interviews

Legendary editor marty baron describes his 'collision of power' with trump and bezos.

New York Times publisher A.G. Sulzberger warned last year against journalists embracing a stance of what he calls "one-side-ism": "where journalists are demonstrating that they're on the side of the righteous."

"I really think that that can create blind spots and echo chambers," he said.

Internal arguments at The Times over the strength of its reporting on accusations that Hamas engaged in sexual assaults as part of a strategy for its Oct. 7 attack on Israel erupted publicly . The paper conducted an investigation to determine the source of a leak over a planned episode of the paper's podcast The Daily on the subject, which months later has not been released. The newsroom guild accused the paper of "targeted interrogation" of journalists of Middle Eastern descent.

Heated pushback in NPR's newsroom

Given Berliner's account of private conversations, several NPR journalists question whether they can now trust him with unguarded assessments about stories in real time. Others express frustration that he had not sought out comment in advance of publication. Berliner acknowledged to me that for this story, he did not seek NPR's approval to publish the piece, nor did he give the network advance notice.

Some of Berliner's NPR colleagues are responding heatedly. Fernando Alfonso, a senior supervising editor for digital news, wrote that he wholeheartedly rejected Berliner's critique of the coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict, for which NPR's journalists, like their peers, periodically put themselves at risk.

Alfonso also took issue with Berliner's concern over the focus on diversity at NPR.

"As a person of color who has often worked in newsrooms with little to no people who look like me, the efforts NPR has made to diversify its workforce and its sources are unique and appropriate given the news industry's long-standing lack of diversity," Alfonso says. "These efforts should be celebrated and not denigrated as Uri has done."

After this story was first published, Berliner contested Alfonso's characterization, saying his criticism of NPR is about the lack of diversity of viewpoints, not its diversity itself.

"I never criticized NPR's priority of achieving a more diverse workforce in terms of race, ethnicity and sexual orientation. I have not 'denigrated' NPR's newsroom diversity goals," Berliner said. "That's wrong."

Questions of diversity

Under former CEO John Lansing, NPR made increasing diversity, both of its staff and its audience, its "North Star" mission. Berliner says in the essay that NPR failed to consider broader diversity of viewpoint, noting, "In D.C., where NPR is headquartered and many of us live, I found 87 registered Democrats working in editorial positions and zero Republicans."

Berliner cited audience estimates that suggested a concurrent falloff in listening by Republicans. (The number of people listening to NPR broadcasts and terrestrial radio broadly has declined since the start of the pandemic.)

Former NPR vice president for news and ombudsman Jeffrey Dvorkin tweeted , "I know Uri. He's not wrong."

Others questioned Berliner's logic. "This probably gets causality somewhat backward," tweeted Semafor Washington editor Jordan Weissmann . "I'd guess that a lot of NPR listeners who voted for [Mitt] Romney have changed how they identify politically."

Similarly, Nieman Lab founder Joshua Benton suggested the rise of Trump alienated many NPR-appreciating Republicans from the GOP.

In recent years, NPR has greatly enhanced the percentage of people of color in its workforce and its executive ranks. Four out of 10 staffers are people of color; nearly half of NPR's leadership team identifies as Black, Asian or Latino.

"The philosophy is: Do you want to serve all of America and make sure it sounds like all of America, or not?" Lansing, who stepped down last month, says in response to Berliner's piece. "I'd welcome the argument against that."

"On radio, we were really lagging in our representation of an audience that makes us look like what America looks like today," Lansing says. The U.S. looks and sounds a lot different than it did in 1971, when NPR's first show was broadcast, Lansing says.

A network spokesperson says new NPR CEO Katherine Maher supports Chapin and her response to Berliner's critique.

The spokesperson says that Maher "believes that it's a healthy thing for a public service newsroom to engage in rigorous consideration of the needs of our audiences, including where we serve our mission well and where we can serve it better."

Disclosure: This story was reported and written by NPR Media Correspondent David Folkenflik and edited by Deputy Business Editor Emily Kopp and Managing Editor Gerry Holmes. Under NPR's protocol for reporting on itself, no NPR corporate official or news executive reviewed this story before it was posted publicly.

Broadcast Journalist Cover Letter Example

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Start your Broadcast Journalist cover letter by addressing the hiring manager directly, if possible. Then, introduce yourself and the position you're applying for. You should also mention where you found the job posting. For example, "Dear Mr. Smith, I am a seasoned Broadcast Journalist with over 5 years of experience in the field, and I am writing to apply for the Broadcast Journalist position advertised on your company's website." This introduction is professional and straight to the point. It also shows that you've done your research about the company and the job. Remember, the opening of your cover letter sets the tone for the rest of the letter, so make it engaging and relevant.

The best way for Broadcast Journalists to end a cover letter is by expressing enthusiasm for the opportunity, summarizing their qualifications, and inviting further discussion. They should also thank the reader for their time and consideration. For example: "I am excited about the prospect of bringing my unique blend of skills and experience to your news team. I am confident that my ability to deliver compelling news stories would make me a valuable addition to your station. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to further discuss how I can contribute to your team." This ending is assertive, shows eagerness, and demonstrates professionalism, which are all important qualities for a Broadcast Journalist.

Broadcast Journalists should include the following elements in their cover letter: 1. Contact Information: At the top of the cover letter, include your name, address, phone number, and email address. If applicable, also include your LinkedIn profile or professional website. 2. Professional Greeting: Address the letter to the hiring manager by name if possible. If not, use a professional greeting like "Dear Hiring Manager." 3. Introduction: Start with a compelling introduction that grabs the reader's attention. Mention the job you're applying for and where you found the job listing. 4. Relevant Experience: Highlight your most relevant experiences and achievements. As a Broadcast Journalist, you should mention any previous experience in broadcasting, journalism, or related fields. Include any notable stories you've covered, the impact of your work, and any skills you've gained. 5. Skills: Highlight your skills that are relevant to the job. These might include excellent verbal and written communication skills, the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, strong research skills, and proficiency in broadcasting software. 6. Understanding of the Company: Show that you've done your research and understand the company's mission, values, and audience. Explain why you're interested in working for this particular company and how you can contribute to their goals. 7. Closing: In your closing paragraph, express your enthusiasm for the role and your interest in an interview. Thank the hiring manager for considering your application. 8. Professional Closing: End the letter with a professional closing like "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your name and signature. 9. Attachments: Mention any attachments, such as your resume or portfolio. If you have a reel or examples of your on-air work, include a link to these in your cover letter. Remember, your cover letter should be tailored to each job application, highlighting how your skills and experience make you a great fit for the specific role. It should complement your resume, not simply repeat it.

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