Press Release | Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism
Renowned Russian journalist Mikhail Zygar, who has courageously covered power and corruption in the Kremlin, will join the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at the City University of New York as its inaugural press freedom fellow.
Zygar is an author, journalist, entrepreneur and the founder and former editor-in-chief of TV Rain (Dozhd TV), which blazed a trail for independent media outlets in Russia. Zygar’s latest book, “War and Punishment: Putin, Zelensky, and the Path to Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine,” was published in the U.S. last week. Because of his outspoken criticism, Zygar was forced to flee Russia soon after the war in Ukraine began, and has been living in Europe and reporting from exile.
At the Newmark J-School, Zygar’s fellowship is part of the Journalism Protection Initiative (JPI), which was launched in February under the leadership of Joel Simon. “President Putin has tried to wipe out independent journalism in Russia, but his Achilles heel is deeply sourced and deeply informed journalists like Mikhail who continue to report on events inside the country and inform the world,” noted Simon. “We are delighted to offer Mikhail a safe haven and the necessary support so he can continue his vital work.”
In addition to carrying out independent research, Zygar will engage with the Newmark J-School’s international reporting program, led by distinguished lecturer Alia Malek.
Zygar’s fellowship is made possible by the Knight Foundation, longtime supporters of the Newmark J-School. Zygar will begin his year-long fellowship in August.
“We are grateful to Knight Foundation for its commitment to the Newmark J-School, and for supporting Mikhail’s fellowship,” said Dean Graciela Mochkofsky. “We look forward to welcoming Mikhail, introducing him to our students, and making him part of our community.”
About the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY:
The Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism, founded in 2006, is a public graduate journalism school based in the heart of New York City’s media capital. With affordable tuition and extensive scholarship support, it prepares students from diverse economic, racial and cultural backgrounds to produce high-quality journalism. The school offers an M.A. in Journalism, M.A. in Engagement Journalism, and M.A. in Journalism – Bilingual Program (English/Spanish).
About the Knight Foundation:
The Knight Foundation supports a more effective democracy by funding free expression and journalism, arts and culture in community, research in areas of media and democracy, and the success of American cities and towns where the Knight brothers once published newspapers.