Topics: Journalism, media, newsrooms, reporting, technology, diversity, business of journalism, narrative journalism
Rate (USD): $1 per word for features; $250 for opinion columns
Length: 1,200–3,000 words for features; 800–1,200 words for opinion
Deadline: Rolling submissions
What Nieman Reports Is Looking For
Nieman Reports wants deeply reported feature stories that offer insight and analysis into issues affecting journalism today and its future.
Features generally run between 1,200 and 3,000 words, although longer pieces may be considered when the material warrants additional space.
The publication also accepts opinion columns, which typically run between 800 and 1,200 words and pay $250.
Potential feature topics include:
The Future of Journalism
Nieman Reports covers major challenges and opportunities facing the journalism industry, including changes in newsroom practices, audience expectations, journalism ethics, and the evolving role of journalists.
Diversity and Representation
Stories can examine efforts to make journalism more representative and inclusive. For example, Nieman Reports has published pieces about the need for greater diversity in photojournalism, including “A New Focus”.
It has also examined efforts to improve coverage of women’s sports in “Covering Women’s Sports”.
Best Practices in Reporting
The publication is interested in journalism practices that can help reporters and news organizations improve their coverage.
Previous examples include reporting on Islam and approaches to covering climate change with urgency and creativity.
Business, Technology and Storytelling
Nieman Reports also explores emerging business, technological, and narrative trends affecting journalism.
Examples include the changing ways news organizations tell stories about and for Black communities in “Meet the New Black Press” and the use of automation in the newsroom.
Journalism Around the World
International journalism is another area of interest. Nieman Reports has examined journalistic ecosystems in specific countries and regions, including independent Russian newsrooms and investigative journalism in Africa.
This creates opportunities for writers with strong knowledge of journalism systems, media organizations, reporting practices, and newsroom conditions outside the United States.
How to Pitch Nieman Reports
Your pitch should include a concise precis of the proposed story, explaining its central idea and major themes.
Include a representative list of the sources you would contact, works you would examine, and/or news outlets you would profile. If your proposed article discusses specific pieces of journalism, include links to those examples.
You should also briefly explain why the story is relevant now. Strong pitches should establish the timeliness of the subject and explain why Nieman Reports’ audience would benefit from the reporting.
If you are new to Nieman Reports, include a very brief biography explaining your role or interest in journalism.
Pitching Tips
Nieman Reports is looking for more than general commentary about the media. A strong pitch should demonstrate that you have a specific, reportable story with knowledgeable sources and a clear argument or insight.
Before pitching, consider:
- What specific problem, development, or opportunity in journalism are you examining?
- Why does this matter right now?
- Who will you interview?
- What journalism, research, or reporting will you examine?
- What can your reporting reveal that has not already been widely discussed?
- Why are you the right person to report this story?
For international or regional stories, demonstrate familiarity with the local journalism ecosystem and identify credible sources who can provide substantive insight.
Avoid sending a generic article idea. Nieman Reports specifically asks for a precis of the piece and a representative list of sources, works, or outlets you intend to examine.
How Much Does Nieman Reports Pay?
Nieman Reports pays $1 per word for feature stories, making a 1,200-word feature worth approximately $1,200 and a 3,000-word feature worth approximately $3,000.
Opinion columns pay $250 and typically run between 800 and 1,200 words.
The highest advertised rate is $1 per word for features.
Other Nieman Foundation Publications
The Nieman Foundation also publishes two other publications:
Nieman Storyboard explores the art and craft of nonfiction storytelling. Visit Nieman Storyboard to learn more.
Nieman Lab reports on digital media innovation and the future of digital journalism. Visit Nieman Lab for more information.