Lifting up journalism around the world

Our story

The Alfred Friendly Press Fellowships began in 1983 with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Alfred Friendly's vision to give back to the profession he loved. While hunting geese with his son Jonathan, Friendly discussed creating a foundation to support journalists from developing countries, inspired by global conversations about press freedom and the need to combat censorship. Despite battling cancer, Friendly quickly established the foundation, recruiting an executive director, David Nalle, to launch the International Press Fellowships. Within months, they had secured newspaper partnerships and selected the first group of fellows, though Alfred passed away before the program's debut in 1984.

The inaugural fellows immersed themselves in U.S. newsrooms, benefiting from hands-on professional training that aligned with Friendly's belief in experiential learning. Prominent editors like Ben Bradlee and smaller newspapers alike welcomed the fellows, fostering a two-way exchange of knowledge and perspectives. This international collaboration enriched both the visiting journalists and their American hosts, exemplified by stories like Nepali journalist Bijay Lal Shresta's exploration of connections between Anniston, Alabama, and Kathmandu. As the program grew, it adapted to global needs, recruiting fellows from post-Cold War Eastern Europe and enabling them to report on pivotal events like the siege of Sarajevo.

Over the years, the program evolved to address the changing media landscape, incorporating training in specialized beats and digital reporting techniques. Friendly Fellows became critical contributors to U.S. newspapers during times of financial strain, filling gaps in international coverage while enhancing their own skills. Today, the program continues as Alfred Friendly Press Partners, fostering long-term collaborations with ambitious newsrooms worldwide. The foundation, born from a chance conversation, remains a dynamic force for global journalism, ensuring that the spirit of Alfred Friendly's vision endures.

Alfred Friendly


Board of Directors


Our mission

Alfred Friendly Press Partners bonds with journalists and news organizations from information hungry societies and prepares them to practice professional, ethical, and innovative journalism. We accomplish our mission through hands-on training in U.S. and international newsrooms and within the Missouri School of Journalism.

Alfred Friendly Press Partners is the leader in transforming journalists who are recognized as vital to journalism excellence, press freedom, and informed citizenries.

We advance our vision through our fellows, our lifelong relationships with them and the subsequent trusting relationships to international newsrooms we are able to develop through them, and the network of training resources and expertise we are able to capture and tailor for fellows and international newsrooms.

A Global Community of Journalists

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Your support matters

Your tax-deductible gift will help the Alfred Friendly Foundation lift up journalism around the world by transforming journalists who are recognized as vital to journalism excellence and press freedom.