Leah Britton to cover state legislature as 2024 Bolles recipient
Leah Britton likes a challenge and is eager to take on a new role this semester as the 2024 recipient of the Don Bolles Fellowship.
Britton, a senior at the University of Arizona School of Journalism, will begin her fellowship with the Arizona Mirror in early January and will report on the state legislature from Phoenix.
“I don’t like to get comfortable,” Britton said, “I’m excited to tap into a different part of my brain and do something different from what I’m used to.”
Britton, a New Jersey native, has worked at the student-led broadcasting station UATV for over two years in multiple roles, including news director, general manager, and executive producer. She has also worked as an assistant producer for Arizona Public Media since the summer before her junior year.
“Leah’s strong work ethic and generous spirit will make her a great addition to the AZ Mirror and the statehouse reporting corp,” School of Journalism Associate Director Pate McMichael said. “I’m eager to see how she leverages her broadcasting skills to illuminate complex legislative stories.”
The Mirror is an independent, nonprofit news organization that seeks to inform Arizona residents about public policy and how it affects them. Britton hopes to use the storytelling skills she has learned studying journalism to provide statewide political coverage that is accessible to and representative of its readers.
“I'm really hoping that one day I'll be able to be seen as a pillar and be able to share stories of people who don't always have their voices heard,” Britton said.
Britton’s housing and living expenses will be covered by a stipend provided through the fellowship while she lives in Phoenix this semester.
The fellowship is named after Don Bolles, an Arizona Republic reporter who was killed in a 1976 car bombing, and has been awarded to students by the School of Journalism since 1977.
“Everyone at the School of Journalism wishes her great success. She’s an ideal candidate to continue this tradition and honor Don Bolles’ legacy,” McMichael said of Britton.