Sam Brasch got started in journalism freelancing for magazines but knew he could learn more and advance his skills faster if he could work in a newsroom with other skilled journalists. As part of Colorado Public Radio’s new Fellowship Program, he’s doing just that.
Launched earlier this year, the CPR Fellowship Program offers two year-long, paid positions—one with a news focus and one with a music focus—for recent college graduates to learn and work alongside CPR’s team of award-winning journalists and music hosts. The program will develop the skills and expertise of the next generation of journalists and music hosts.
“I was thrilled when I was offered the CPR News Fellowship,” said Brasch, who has also worked in non-profit communications since graduating from Colorado College in 2012. “It was a huge break for me to be able to spend a year in the CPR newsroom, which is full of smart people committed to high-quality journalism.”
One month into his fellowship, Brasch was already immersed in several data gathering projects to support CPR’s energy and environment reporting. He’s also written stories featured at cprnews.org, including a story he contributed to CPR News’ ongoing coverage of the coal industry in Colorado.
Over the course of the year, Brasch will have many opportunities to develop his skills in areas like audio storytelling, beat reporting and digital production. But he’s already learned a lot.
“Observing these expert journalists first-hand is an incredible thing,” he said. “I get to hear Ben Markus on the phone finessing an interview, and I hear what Megan Verlee says when she gets called about a national story.”
Brasch particularly enjoys the long-form storytelling format that CPR is known for. He’s excited about his own project idea, a story that asks the question: “Do electric cars make sense in Colorado?”
Through the CPR Fellowship, Brasch will gain the skills and portfolio to produce journalism that pushes the boundaries of the profession and has real-world impact.
“I’m grateful that CPR is taking on the task of training young talent. It shows that there is a future in journalism,” he said.
