Platform Accountability Reporting Fellowship 2026 – Call for Applications
Applications are now open for the Platform Accountability Reporting Fellowship 2026, a capacity-building opportunity designed to strengthen investigative journalism on online harm and digital platform accountability. The fellowship is organized by the Centre for Journalism, Innovation and Development (CJID) under the Tech Justice and Digital Governance Project, with support from Luminate.
As digital platforms continue to shape public discourse, accountability journalism has become more important than ever. Therefore, this fellowship aims to equip journalists with the skills, tools, and support needed to report responsibly and effectively on digital harms.
About the Platform Accountability Fellowship
The Platform Accountability Fellowship is a three-day virtual capacity-building workshop tailored for practicing journalists interested in investigative reporting on technology, online harm, and platform governance.
Through this fellowship, participants will gain deeper insights into how digital platforms operate, how online harms manifest, and how journalists can hold powerful tech actors accountable. More importantly, the training emphasizes practical application, ensuring fellows translate learning into impactful investigative stories.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The Platform Accountability Reporting Fellowship 2026 is open to journalists who meet the following criteria:
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be practicing journalists
- Demonstrate a strong interest in investigative reporting on online harm and digital platform accountability
- Be available to participate fully in a three-day virtual training
- Commit to producing at least three major investigative reports based on lessons from the fellowship
In addition, female journalists and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply, as CJID prioritizes diversity and inclusion within the media space.
Application Requirements
To apply for the Platform Accountability Fellowship, candidates must submit the following materials:
Required Documents
- One compelling story proposal that clearly highlights the potential impact of reporting on online harm
- At least two published articles demonstrating strong journalistic skills, preferably on digital issues, accountability, or related topics
Importantly, applicants should ensure that submissions clearly reflect investigative depth, originality, and relevance to digital governance.
Key Dates to Remember
Keeping track of deadlines is essential. Therefore, note the following:
- Application Deadline: February 4, 2026
- Training Duration: Three days (virtual)
Late or incomplete applications may not be considered, so early submission is advised.
Why This Fellowship Matters
Digital platforms increasingly influence elections, social movements, information access, and public safety. However, gaps in accountability often leave users vulnerable to online harm.
Through the Platform Accountability Reporting Fellowship, journalists will:
- Strengthen their investigative reporting skills on digital and platform-related issues
- Gain tools to uncover and explain complex technology-driven harms
- Contribute to public awareness, policy dialogue, and platform accountability
As a result, fellows play a vital role in shaping safer and more transparent digital spaces.
About the Centre for Journalism, Innovation and Development (CJID)
The Centre for Journalism, Innovation and Development (CJID) is a leading West African media innovation and development think tank.
Founded in 2014 in Nigeria as the Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism (PTCIJ), CJID has consistently advanced investigative journalism, media innovation, open data, fact-checking, and press freedom. Over time, the organization expanded beyond Nigeria into Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, The Gambia, and parts of Francophone Africa, including Cameroon, Senegal, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Today, CJID remains at the forefront of strengthening journalism’s role in accountability, democracy, and digital governance across Africa.
Final Thoughts
The Platform Accountability Reporting Fellowship 2026 offers journalists a rare opportunity to sharpen their investigative skills while contributing to digital justice and accountability. Ultimately, this fellowship supports journalists committed to exposing online harm and holding powerful platforms responsible.
If you are passionate about investigative journalism, digital governance, and public interest reporting, this fellowship is a valuable step forward.
📌 Application Deadline: February 4, 2026