Media Fellows Program

This opportunity is tailored for mid-career journalists, social media content creators, and strategic communications professionals who wish to deepen their understanding of national security and U.S. foreign policy issues, as well as expand their professional network.

FDD provides its media fellows with top-notch off-the-record briefings and networking opportunities through membership in FDD’s National Security Network, as well as the chance to travel on one of FDD’s National Security Trips to Israel alongside U.S. national security practitioners. The seven-day trip will offer a fact-based, nuanced understanding of a country that faces unique strategic communications and public diplomacy challenges. Throughout the week, trip participants will travel around Israel to participate in off-the-record high-level meetings with Israel’s top national security brass; current and former Israeli, Palestinian, and American national security decision makers; journalists; military officials; and leaders in the private sector. These in-depth conversations will be supplemented by experiential exercises, including visits to elite military installations. Please note that government employees must receive approval from their designated ethics authority to participate in FDD’s National Security Trip to Israel. 

Participants of the program will become members of FDD’s National Security Network (NSN), an alumni network comprised of over 700 bipartisan leaders in Washington’s national security landscape. NSN members enjoy year-round programming, including invitations to policy-related events, international trips, and opportunities for networking and collaborating with both FDD experts and peers in the DC policy community.

FDD does not accept donations from any foreign governments. No foreign funds are used to support FDD’s Media Fellows or the trip.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • U.S. Citizen
  • Able to commute to Washington D.C. for one pre-trip and one post-trip session at FDD’s office
  • Able to commit to attending one of the two annual FDD National Security Trips to Israel
  • While there is no age requirement, this program is targeted towards media professionals in the early to mid-stages of their careers

Applications for Media Fellows are currently closed.

If you have any questions, please contact Shannon Walsh at [email protected]

FDD's National Security Network

Members of FDD’s National Security Network – a community of more than 700 top-level national security practitioners – enjoy year-round programming, including invitations to policy-related events, international trips and opportunities for networking and collaborating with both FDD experts and peers in the DC policy community..

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