Syracuse Sun

The Institute for Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship (IDJC) has announced the launch of its Visiting Fellows program. This initiative aims to provide experts in journalism, politics, and public affairs with a supportive academic environment to explore significant topics.

The inaugural class for the Spring 2025 semester includes investigative reporter and producer Josh Fine, along with former U.S. Public Delegate to the United Nations Andrew Weinstein. "We are thrilled to announce this new program and to have Josh Fine and Andrew Weinstein as our inaugural fellows," stated Margaret Talev, Kramer Director of the IDJC and professor at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. "This fellows program is designed to give thought leaders in the fields of journalism and public affairs an opportunity to delve more deeply into subjects that matter to all of us."

The program offers workspace at IDJC headquarters in Washington, D.C., access to university scholars and resources, as well as a stipend for travel and projects. The fellows will engage in events or projects while developing nonpartisan thought leadership on issues aligned with IDJC's mission regarding democratic governance and journalism.

Josh Fine plans to use his fellowship to find better ways to fund investigative sports journalism, focusing on challenges impacting communities beyond sports events. These include public financing of stadiums, health impacts of high school programs, and profits from youth sports. "I'm delighted to be one of IDJC's inaugural fellows," said Fine. "As the journalism industry changes, it's critical that accountability-based sports journalism endures."

Andrew Weinstein will focus on developing dialogues and workshops addressing antisemitism, religion-based hatred, intolerance, and bridging divides between American Jewish and Palestinian communities. "I look forward to expanding on my work at the United Nations," said Weinstein.

The Visiting Fellows program was made possible by a donation from Gary Greenberg ’72. For more information about supporting or engaging with the program, interested parties can email democracy@syr.edu.