16 Emerging Journalists selected for 2026-2027 New Mexico Local News Fellowships and Internships
The New Mexico Local News Fellowships and Internships program is proud to present the six fellows and 10 interns who will join local news organizations this summer for paid, hands-on training experiences.
The program, a project of the New Mexico Local News Fund and the University of New Mexico Department of Communication and Journalism, is designed to build a stronger, more sustainable local news ecosystem while helping journalism students advance into successful careers.
The fellows and interns will start June in print, broadcast and digital organizations across the state. This year we're proud to work with several new host newsrooms: the Tri-City Record in Farmington, Nob Hill News in Albuquerque and Searchlight New Mexico.
“Local news is essential infrastructure for our communities,” said Rashad Mahmood, executive director of the New Mexico Local News Fund. “By investing in these fellows and interns, we’re helping ensure that people across New Mexico have access to the reliable information they need to make decisions about their lives.”
The 2026–2027 cohort is a group of exceptional young people who reflect the diversity of our state. Many have been placed in their hometowns, in the news organizations they grew up with, where they will bring local knowledge and perspective to the communities they cover. Two-thirds are students of color and two are fluent Spanish speakers.
"Learning about journalism in a classroom is important," said Program Manager Gwyneth Doland, "but this kind of real-world experience and seasoned mentorship helps students develop skills, confidence and professional networks in ways school can't.”
Funding for the program comes from the New Mexico Local News Fund and the state Department of Workforce Solutions, furthering journalism career development and job placements. New Mexico is one of only three states that have dedicated public funding specifically for journalism fellowships. The state Legislature’s four years of support have allowed the program to expand more fully into underserved communities outside of Central New Mexico.
2026-2027 Fellows:
Serena Johnson (New Mexico State University)
KRWG Public Media, Las Cruces
Florian Knowles (University of New Mexico)
KUNM News, Albuquerque
Marshall Mecham (New Mexico State University)
Artesia Daily Press/Carlsbad Current Argus, Artesia
Leighanne Munoz (New Mexico State University)
Las Cruces Sun-News, Las Cruces
Jaclyn Ruiz (New Mexico State University)
Santa Fe New Mexican, Santa Fe
Ben Schlittler (New Mexico State University)
KRQE News 13, Albuquerque
2026 Summer Interns:
Elizabeth Anne Andrews (New Mexico State University)
Searchlight New Mexico, Santa Fe
Emit Brown (University of New Mexico)
KRQE News 13, Albuquerque
Isabella Campbell (University of New Mexico)
Albuquerque Journal, Albuquerque
Jesse Fernandez (University of New Mexico)
Journalism and Women Symposium (JAWS), remote, statewide
Makenna Johnson (University of New Mexico)
Nob Hill News, Albuquerque
Lenora Lare (New Mexico State University)
Tri-City Record, Farmington
Victor Martinez (University of New Mexico)
New Mexico PBS, KNME-TV, Albuquerque
Eliana Marquez (University of New Mexico)
New Mexico Foundation for Open Government, remote, statewide
Adamaris Mendoza (University of New Mexico)
Albuquerque Business First, Albuquerque
Aubrie Moore (University of New Mexico)
Valencia County News Bulletin, Belen
Program Statistics:
3 fellows in the 2019 pilot program
42 fellows and 36 interns placed in 8 cohorts
39 local news and journalism organizations served
16 communities in 14 counties served
80% of fellows offered a full-time job in journalism within one year
75% of interns hired within one year
About the Program
The New Mexico Local News Fellowships and Internships program, operated by the University of New Mexico Department of Communication and Journalism, provides paid career development opportunities for journalism students and graduates from New Mexico public universities. The program matches participants with local newsrooms across the state, strengthening newsroom capacity while creating pathways into journalism careers.
About the New Mexico Local News Fund
The New Mexico Local News Fund works to strengthen and expand local news across New Mexico to better serve communities. It is a fiscally sponsored project of the Santa Fe Community Foundation.
Contact:
Program Manager: Gwyneth Doland
Program Coordinator: Andy Lyman
nmlocalnewsfellowship@gmail.com