Newsletter

Solution Set: New diagnostic tool helps newsrooms gauge their future-readiness

June 25, 2026

Local news publishers typically have their heads down trying to get stories out the door, focus on fundraising, and meet with members of the community. They’re not always thinking about what the future holds for their newsroom, even though it’s vital that they stay on top of changing technology and media usage. So it’s great to hear about a new free tool from The Lenfest Institute, the 2030 Newsroom Readiness Diagnostic, designed by Cheryl Thompson-Morton to help news organizations assess how prepared they are for major industry changes expected by 2030.

As audience behaviors, revenue models, technology, and AI continue to reshape journalism, the diagnostic evaluates a newsroom’s strengths and weaknesses in four key areas: audience engagement, revenue generation, operations and technology, and workforce development. After completing the assessment, organizations receive a personalized readiness profile with recommendations and resources from the Institute.

Here’s a breakdown of how the diagnostic evaluates a newsroom’s readiness:

Audience Development & Engagement: How effectively newsrooms build direct audience relationships, use first-party data, develop digital products, and adapt to changing audience behaviors and discovery channels.
Revenue Generation: The diversity, durability, and sustainability of revenue streams, as well as readiness to reduce reliance on legacy revenue sources.
Operations & Technology: The strength of the technology stack, operational infrastructure, and ability to leverage AI and automation to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
Workforce & Organizational Models: The organization’s approach to leadership development, succession planning, staff training, and long-term organizational resilience.

“The goal is not to predict the future. It is to help your organization build the capabilities, systems, and strategies needed to adapt to whatever comes next,” wrote Thompson-Morton.

Take the diagnostic now

Now let’s get to some timely resources for newsrooms, including:

📷 $6,000 grants for visual journalism on mental health

💡 $10,000 grants after taking webinars on impacts of incarceration

💸 Up to $100K for study, research, or travel for a story

🕴🏽 A new Local Journalist Index maps journalists per county

Did we miss any resources? Drop us a line here and let us know.

🧠 Brain food: insights from the field

New Local Journalist Index reveals 2026 data on local news crisis from Rebuild Local News and MuckRack

“70% of counties are severely undercovered — employing below-average numbers of local journalist equivalents — and a large number of counties have hardly any coverage of education and health…States with fewer local journalists face estimated municipal borrowing costs roughly 17% higher than average, part of what the research estimates as at least $1.1 billion in annual financial harm to communities nationwide.”

Overview and key findings of the 2026 Digital News Report by Jim Egan from Reuters Institute

“An apparent paradox emerges between behavior and attitudes. There is continued change in news consumption in favor of social media, video networks, and, more recently, AI. At the same time, concerns about trust in news, about misinformation, and about the wider impact of these platforms are all increasing…For the first time, social media and video networks are, on average across the markets covered, more popular than both TV and owned news websites and apps as sources of news.”

How a digital startup in Alaska bought the hometown legacy paper by Hayley Milloy at LION Publishers

“People have expressed relief that local ownership and local journalism are continuing. Many readers understand the challenges facing community news and recognize that maintaining strong local reporting requires adapting to new realities. What has been especially meaningful is hearing from longtime readers who care deeply about the Frontiersman’s history and are excited to see that history remain rooted in Mat-Su,” said Amy Bushatz, founder and editor of the Mat-Su Sentinel, which now owns the Frontiersman’s assets.

Is going nonprofit the future of local newspapers? by David Folkenflik at NPR

“There’s probably not one model that works in every location, but really leaning into being innovative about generating money to fund journalism is the most important piece. And I think what we’ve also learned is that when you give the community an opportunity to fund journalism in new ways, oftentimes it steps up. What local news does really stitches a community together and holds it together,” said Steve Grove, CEO and publisher of the Minnesota Star Tribune, which is becoming a nonprofit.

Grants & Fellowships: bring in the 💰

Grants

Mental Health Visual Desk from Catchlight – CatchLight is looking to support local newsrooms whose visual reporting efforts are helping reframe how mental health is seen, felt, and understood — and, crucially, what can be done about it. Building on their first year of work across California, CatchLight is expanding this initiative nationally. It will award up to six $6,000 grants to local newsrooms producing solutions-driven visual journalism on mental health. Apply by June 30.
Tarbell Center for AI Journalism Grants – Tarbell offers grants of $1,000 to $20,000 to support original reporting on AI published in established outlets, whether from freelancers or staff. It primarily funds written journalism but is open to supporting other formats. Tarbell is seeking applications across six focus areas: 1) accountability reporting; 2) AI policy and politics; 3) AI explainers and analysis; 4) AI in government and militaries; 5) AI labor impacts; and 6) AI developments in China. Apply by July 12.
Ian Parry Photojournalism Grants – The program is an international photographic competition for young photographers who are 24 years of age or under, or anyone who is studying in a full-time photographic course. Entrants must submit a portfolio of 12 images and a clear proposal of a project they would undertake if they received the grant. Recipients receive £10,000 towards their chosen project, along with a loan of Canon equipment and publication of images by The Guardian. The grants are in honor of photojournalist Ian Parry who died while on assignment in 1989. Apply by August 31.
Shackelford Shines Stipend from the Tiffany Shackelford Foundation – Up to 10 stipends each year to support individuals in the journalism community. These stipends are aimed at helping professionals attend events and programs to enhance their skills as innovative editors, reporters, technologists, or similar roles. Applications accepted on a rolling basis.

Pulitzer Center image from the “Dairyland in Distress” series it funded in 2019

Local News Reporting Grants from Pulitzer Center – You decide what underreported stories your community needs to engage with, and Pulitzer Center will support that reporting and champion it, including creating educational materials and organizing events to expand the reach of your stories and the conversation about them. The Center values data, investigative, and accountability journalism projects that tackle systemic issues and hold to account powerful local figures. Applications accepted on a rolling basis.
Collaborative Operating Models Program from the Public Media Bridge Fund – The first open call under the Sustainability Program focuses on advancing collaborative operating models across the public media system. The purpose of this initiative is to implement new operating and collaborative structures that strengthen the long-term sustainability of public media organizations. Investments up to $500,000 include grants, low-interest loans, and advisory services. Applications accepted on a rolling basis.

Special Opportunity

Reporting on Families Impacted by Incarceration from Poynter, August 4 to October 6 – The webinar series helps journalists report more deeply, accurately, and ethically on the far-reaching consequences of incarceration. Participants will hear directly from incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people and journalists who have covered these stories with rigor and nuance. Attend three free webinars and become eligible to apply for reporting grants worth up to $10,000. Be sure to register before the first webinar on August 4.

Fellowships

Eugene C. Pulliam Fellowship for Public Service Journalism from Society of Professional Journalists – The fellowship awards up to $100,000 to outstanding editorial writers, columnists, or reporters to help broaden their journalistic horizons and knowledge of the world. The award can be used to cover the cost of study, research, and/or travel. More than one fellow may be selected per year, with the award divided between the fellows, at the judges’ discretion. Apply by June 29.
Research Fellowship from Kapor Foundation – The fellowship supports journalists producing long-form investigative reports and tech policy researchers conducting research, analysis, or evaluation that informs policy related to the Kapor Foundation’s three priority areas, with an emphasis on responsible AI and tech ethics. The goal is to foster a deeper understanding of the existing barriers and drive actionable solutions. Each fellow receives $35,000. Applications accepted on a rolling basis; fellows announced by June 30.
AI Accountability Fellowships from Pulitzer Center – The fellowships seek to support journalists working on in-depth AI accountability stories that examine governments’ and corporations’ uses of predictive, generative, and surveillance technologies to guide decisions in policing, medicine, social welfare, criminal justice, hiring, and more. The 10-month fellowship will provide journalists up to $25,000 — up to $20,000 for reporting and $5,000 for engagement activities. Apply by July 12.
Data Fellowship from USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism – A five-month program equips journalists with the tools to find and obtain data and perform analyses that can yield new and important investigative insights for health reporting. Fellows receive a $2,000 stipend to defray reporting costs; a multi-day, in-person training in beginner, intermediate, or advanced spreadsheets or RStudio; and five months of professional mentorship with top data journalists. Apply by July 22.
The Future of Work Reporting Fellowship from New America – The fellowship supports early- and mid-career journalists producing in-depth reporting that examines how education, workforce development, and the innovation economy converge — and what that means for people’s lives and livelihoods. The fellowship includes a $5,000 stipend, coaching, and an expense budget. Apply by July 24.
Karsh Journalism Fellowship – The fellowship offers specialized training in Jewish issues to professional journalists and recent journalism school graduates. Fellows participate in three intensive all-expense paid retreats — in Los Angeles, New York, and Washington, D.C. — engaging with leading journalists, scholars, policymakers, and innovators across arts, media, and business. Fellows receive a $4,000 stipend and all travel expenses paid. Apply by September 1.
Brain Health Reporting Fellowship from Poynter – A year-long fellowship designed to help journalists strengthen their reporting on brain health, neuroscience, and scientific research. It will bring together 30 journalists from across the country for advanced training, personalized coaching, and direct access to leading journalists, researchers, and medical experts. The program begins in December 2026 with a three-day convening at Poynter’s campus followed by monthly virtual workshops and individualized coaching throughout 2027. Fellows receive a $3,000 stipend. Apply by September 22.

Training: upskill FTW 🎓

Shameless self-promotion: Selling your newsroom idea clearly, concisely, and compellingly from The Lenfest Institute, June 25 (today!) at 3 pm EDT – Back by popular demand from last month’s Lenfest News Philanthropy Summit, the Institute is bringing Ken Schneck’s session online for a virtual encore. Marketing your newsroom’s work is essential to securing support, building audiences, and advancing your mission. Ken will help participants strengthen their elevator pitch, identify barriers to self-promotion, and find the words that clearly communicate the uniqueness and fundability of their work.
Beat Academy: Midterm Prep from Poynter, July 15 – During this 75-minute webinar, participants will learn alongside peers from across the country, guided by Jon Greenberg (Beat Academy lead faculty), Caryn Baird (Poynter news researcher) and Amy Sherman (PolitiFact senior correspondent). Attendees will receive practical tip sheets, reporting resources, and real-world strategies designed to help journalists cover the election with depth, accuracy, and confidence.

Covering Child Welfare: A Journalist’s Guide to Impactful Reporting from Poynter, September 3 to November 12 – Build a stronger child welfare reporting beat with free expert-led training, practical tools, and newsroom-tested strategies. Identify meaningful story opportunities within child welfare systems, develop trusted sources and stronger community connections, and distinguish poverty from neglect and better understand how child welfare systems operate. Four participating newsrooms will receive $10,000 grants. Apply by July 31.
The Business of Journalism in the Age of AI from the University of Maryland, Monthly webinar series through December; free with registration – Aims to teach news leaders how to reinvent themselves to best serve the public. In this webinar series, experts from the University of Maryland’s Philip Merrill College of Journalism and Robert H. Smith School of Business team up with industry leaders to offer their unique perspectives on how the news industry must evolve to thrive in the age of AI.

Support: Get the help you need ☎️

Local News Research Hub from Rebuild Local News and Syracuse University – Access a curated collection of studies that show how local news’ decline affects communities and the solutions emerging across the country. Building on Democracy Fund’s literature review, the Hub collates and regularly updates the evidence base to guide more targeted investments and policy interventions that support the local news ecosystem.
AI & Emerging Technologies Consulting from Poynter – Poynter works with clients to both seize the potential of AI tools and safeguard against their risks. Whether you’re developing editorial policies, experimenting with automation, or training your team to use AI responsibly, Poynter provides strategic guidance, practical support, and ethical frameworks.
The Civic Partnerships Playbook from El Tímpano – The playbook walks newsroom leaders through the full arc of building a civic partnerships program: assessing whether the model fits their outlet, developing a strategy, setting prices, finding and pitching partners, and evaluating results. It addresses questions about the difference between civic partnerships and advertising, and the risks of working with government agencies.
The Lenfest Expert Network from The Lenfest Institute – The Expert Network connects local news organizations with experienced consultants who provide pro bono hands-on support to strengthen sustainability, audience engagement, and digital transformation for short-term consulting engagements lasting one to six months. Interested in joining an upcoming consulting round? Sign up for office hours here.

Events: learn and network 📅

SRCCON, July 8–9 in Minneapolis. SRCCON is a hands-on conference, full of conversations and workshops focused on the practical challenges that news technology and data teams encounter every day.
Indigenous Media Conference , July 22–24 in Portland, Ore. IMC is focused on enhancing accurate, contextual reporting on Indigenous people and communities while overcoming media stereotypes. It brings together Indigenous journalists, media professionals, and allies for education and networking.
National Association of Hispanic Journalists Conference, July 22–25 in New Orleans. Annual event for Latino journalists, media professionals, and students, dedicated to career development, networking, and improving representation in the news industry.
National Association of Black Journalists Conference, August 12–16 in Atlanta. Attendees go to hundreds of training sessions, workshops, entertainment, and networking events. Among thousands of attendees, everyone leaves with new professional contacts, inspired to enhance the journalism industry.
Local Media Fest from Local Media Association, August 18–20 in Chicago. The event is focused on revenue growth, digital innovation, and sustainability for local news organizations.
Independent News Sustainability Summit from LION Publishers, September 9–11 in San Diego. Brings together local independent online news leaders to share knowledge, hard-won lessons, and actionable advice on running a sustainable news business.
NLGJA’s National Convention, September 10–13 in San Francisco. The country’s leading event for LGBTQ+ journalists, media professionals, students, and educators. The community spans every corner of the industry, from broadcast and print to digital and radio.
Local News Camp from Blue Engine Collaborative, October 14–16 in Durham, NC. The event is for leaders who get things done: publishers, editors, audience directors, product leaders, and analytics mavens. Attendance is capped to preserve depth, connection, and meaningful exchange.

Ask a Bot 🤖

Prompt: What’s the best way to celebrate the United States’ 250th birthday if you don’t like the direction of the country?

Answer via ChatGPT: If you don’t like the current direction of the country, the 250th anniversary can still be meaningful. One way to think about it is that anniversaries can celebrate a nation’s ideals, history, and people — not necessarily its current leadership, policies, or political climate.

A common theme among people who are dissatisfied with the country’s direction is that they distinguish between celebrating what the United States is today and celebrating the possibility of what it could become. For them, the anniversary becomes less about endorsement and more about commitment to helping shape the next chapter.

Human analysis: It’s a good way to recalibrate the celebration away from the current challenges of the country and to think about past history and people who have made a difference. Even better is to consider what we can do together to create a better shared future. Thanks for the pep talk, bot! Now we can make this a celebration with some meaning and consideration (along with the fireworks and hot dogs). 🇺🇸🌭