Brian Joseph, a freelance investigative reporter from Las Vegas, was named the Tampa Bay Times Kerlin Fellowship recipient by the Joseph L. Brechner Freedom of Information Project, to earn his master’s degree tuition-free from the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications online program.

The fellowship, created in 1992 by donations from the St. Petersburg Times and the widow of Associated Press photographer James Kerlin, assists graduate students pursuing studies in communications law or freedom of information.

“I’m grateful for this opportunity, which will help me continue my journalism career,” Joseph said. “Earning a master’s degree will allow me to compete for jobs in academia, where I can split my time between teaching and producing meaningful investigative projects.”

Joseph is author of Vegas Concierge: Sex Trafficking, Hip Hop, and Corruption in America, which uses the true story of a pimp/music producer as a narrative vehicle to explore society’s disregard for sex trafficking victims and survivors.

His work has appeared in numerous newspapers and magazines over the past 20-plus years, including The Orange County Register, where he served as the Sacramento bureau chief for nearly a decade. In 2013-204, Brian was an investigative reporting fellow at the University of California, Berkeley, where he investigated privatized foster care for Mother Jones magazine.

Joseph was also a staff writer for The Las Vegas Review-Journal, The Sacramento Bee, The Desert Sun in Palm Springs, Calif. and a nonprofit news organization called FairWarning, which specialized in coverage of health, safety and the environment. He received his undergraduate degree in journalism from the University of Missouri, Columbia and is a recipient of several journalism honors, including a George Polk Award.

Joseph will pursue the master’s degree in the social media concentration to hone his skills in communicating his work online through new channels. He also will work with the Brechner FOI Project on government transparency projects.

“These are difficult times for journalists,” Joseph said. “I can’t thank the Brechner FOI Project enough for this support. The Tampa Bay Times James P. Kerlin Freedom of Information Scholarship will pave the way for greater stability for me and my family.”

The fellowship covers up to $17,500 in tuition and fees for up to two years of enrollment in the online master’s program. Applications are accepted any time of year. To apply, please fill out this form and email Brechner FOI Project Director David Cuillier at cuillierd@ufl.edu. Applicants must still apply to and be accepted to the online master’s program through the normal admissions process.

The University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications offers online Master of Arts degrees with concentrations in digital journalism, digital strategy, social media, web design, public relations, public interest communication and global strategic communication. For more information, see https://onlinemasters.jou.ufl.edu/.

Posted: August 18, 2026
Category: Brechner News