There’s a certain kind of determination you’ll find among journalists whose daily wake-up alarms go off in the middle of the night. 

Sitara Nieves became accustomed to hearing that alarm at 2 a.m. when she worked as an associate producer on a public radio morning show. 

“What drew me to public media was the potential to focus on new audiences and new ways of serving those audiences,” she explained recently. “I was excited about the possibility of working somewhere with such a clear mission to serve communities.”

After almost 15 years in public media, Sitara is now a Poynter vice president. But she’s still focused on the power and potential of public media, which is why she’s spearheading a new fellowship that will impact 50 local journalists and their communities. 

The Editorial Integrity and Leadership Initiative — funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting — will strengthen the news leadership and ethical decision-making skills of public media journalists. The fellowship is free to participants and features a one-week trip to Poynter HQ in St. Petersburg, Florida, as well as regular virtual trainings, coaching sessions and more.

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Funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, this fellowship for public media journalists is designed to strengthen news leadership skills and the ability to make ethical decisions. Over nine months, participants will receive individual coaching, learn from industry experts, collaborate in small peer groups, and work on a personal project that will benefit their newsroom and their own leadership. Fellows will also participate in online workshops twice a month, and meet with peer groups and coaches.

The fellowship kicks off with a one-week conference at Poynter HQ in St. Petersburg, Florida, this September.

In person, Tuesday, April 18, Los Angeles, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Act fast! Registration closes Tuesday, March 28

This program is designed for working journalists — not just religion reporters, but writers, editors, photographers, videographers, producers and others who want a deeper understanding of how faith is among the most important forces shaping our communities.

During a daylong series of speakers, panels and peer work, participants will learn where and how to find faith communities in their coverage area; find connections within those communities to their leaders and citizens; learn how to build source lists and create relationships before news breaks; think through how people of faith (whether religious leaders or believers) can be incorporated into everyday stories; and more.

Cost: Free. Breakfast and lunch provided. Register by March 28.

Two online cohorts: July 10-31 and Nov. 6-27, 2023

The popularity of our Lead With Influence program means we’re offering it twice more in 2023 to two specific groups. Our July session is designed for anyone, while the November session is reserved for women and nonbinary leaders.

If you have the official title of project manager or product manager, or are in the position of being responsible for outcomes without formally supervising anyone, this program is for you.


Both cohorts meet online for four hours a week on Mondays during their session month.

The Bowtie Ball is Poynter’s largest annual celebration of journalistic excellence that recognizes the contributions of the brightest and liveliest minds in the industry to democracies worldwide. Get tickets.