It Takes A Journalist like Jim Hoge
Empowering the next generation of new leaders
Throughout his exceptional career, James F. Hoge Jr. has embodied the best of journalism. He was a
venerated leader as editor of the Chicago Sun-Times and publisher of the New York Daily News. In
his 18 years as editor of Foreign Affairs, Jim demonstrated unmatched excellence in fact-based
journalism and offered deep analysis of pressing global issues.
To carry forward Jim’s legacy and his passion for journalistic integrity, we are launching The Jim
Hoge Legacy Fund. “It is an honor to recognize Jim, one of the most influential editors of our time,”
says Jason Wright, ICFJ Development Chair. The immediate-use Fund will support rising news
leaders at home and abroad, helping the next generation of journalists produce high-quality news and
advance their careers.
The Jim Hoge Legacy Fund will be a pillar of our It Takes a Journalist campaign and its three
strategic initiatives – Serve, Innovate, and Thrive.
ICFJ is working hard to help our colleagues and their news organizations meet the obstacles ahead
and follow in the footsteps of pioneers like Jim Hoge.
Three initiatives to honor Jim Hoge
Reporting Fellows
Jim has been a long-standing supporter of young reporters. This Fund will advance Jim’s efforts to support journalists covering the critical issues of our time. The Jim Hoge Reporting Fellows will receive dedicated assistance.
- The Fund will provide 3-month reporting fellowships for up-and-coming reporters.
- Fellows will receive support and training to help them safely and effectively report on pressing global issues, from disinformation to climate change to rising authoritarianism.
- They will be selected from ICFJ’s vast network of U.S. and international journalists and will demonstrate dedication to the same high standards that Jim built his career around.
Pictured at left: Jim Hoge with 2010 Knight International Journalism Award Winners.
Innovation Fellows
Jim always stayed ahead of the curve in driving the success of major news outlets. This Fund will guide news leaders to advance innovation that deepens reporting and earns audience trust. The Jim Hoge Innovation Fellows will help shape the unfolding future of journalism.
- The Fund will provide 6-month innovation fellowships to help young journalists and independent newsrooms develop new methods to improve their reporting.
- Fellows will participate in a 10-week design and development process to find creative solutions to challenges facing journalism.
- They will receive a guided, focused experience to ease the risk and cost that inhibits innovation in the newsroom.
Pictured at left: Jim Hoge on Meet the Press in 1976. Also pictured: R. W. Apple, Jr., Bill Boyarsky, Tom Pettit. Credit: NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
Sustainability Initiative
Advancing Jim’s legacy as a publishing leader, this Fund will help rising media leaders to achieve financial sustainability for their news outlets, The Jim Hoge Sustainability Initiative will support independent news media operating in oppressive societies and fragile democracies.
- The Fund will provide training and resources needed to create successful business models.
- It will support a 7-month program that offers training and resources to independent news outlets.
- Newsrooms will receive one-on-one mentorship, learn from global business specialists, and have the opportunity to apply for grant funding.
Pictured at left: Jim Hoge in the Chicago Sun-Times newsroom as editor-in-chief in 1984. Also pictured: managing editor Ralph Otwell. Credit: Chicago Sun-Times
