Assembly Bill 1206 proposes the establishment of a journalism fellowship program within the University of Wisconsin System, aimed at enhancing local journalism and media literacy. The program will match 25 fellows, who must hold a two-year or four-year degree in journalism, media, communications, or a related field, with participating newsrooms for a one-year fellowship. Each fellow will receive a salary of $40,000, and both fellows and newsrooms must demonstrate how their participation will contribute to improving access to high-quality local journalism and meeting civic information needs.

To implement this program, the bill creates new statutory sections 20.285 (1) (cm) and 36.25 (56), which outline the structure and funding of the fellowship program. A selection committee, composed of faculty members and industry professionals, will evaluate applications and make recommendations for the fellows and newsrooms. Additionally, the bill increases the authorized full-time equivalent (FTE) positions for the University of Wisconsin System by 25 GPR positions, effective July 1, 2026, to support the journalism fellows. The funding for the program will come from the newly created appropriation account under section 20.285 (1) (cm).