Participants are expected to participate in 2-hour online sessions each Tuesday for three weeks in a row, and then enjoy a week off before resuming the routine. In addition, there will be regular coaching sessions and peer circles. Homework will be light, but participants are expected to work on their final projects throughout the program.

We have found that the best way to learn new techniques and skills is to apply them immediately to a real-life challenge. In that spirit, participants will be asked to identify an area of improvement in their news organization to work on throughout the program, with the help of peers and coaches. Examples include business plans, strategies around metrics, team management protocols and more. 

Participants will briefly present their work to the class at the end of the program.

We are looking for local and rural media leaders who are passionate about driving change and sustainability in service to their audience, whether they work in legacy news operations or digital start-ups, for-profit or non-profit, covering general news or niche interests. 

The program is targeting mid-level to top-level management, including publishers, founders, editors, managers, and others in editorial, business or tech within local and rural organizations. We will also consider emerging leaders who are poised to move into leadership roles. 

We encourage journalists from diverse backgrounds and experience to apply to this inclusive program. Please contact us if you want to discuss whether this program is a fit for you!

Yes. Part of the mission of this program is to bring together a diverse cohort of media leaders that can benefit from each other’s experience.

Classes and coaching sessions will be led by a diverse and experienced group of media leaders and innovators who understand sustainability from a local perspective and who have taught in popular programs such as the Executive Program in News Innovation and Leadership, including the Program Lead, Niketa Patel, the senior director of leadership programs at J+, who was previously senior director of partnerships and platforms at The 19th, among other positions.

Thanks to the support of the Google News Initiative, the program is tuition-free if you are selected.

Participants will not only forge lasting professional bonds with their cohorts, coaches and instructors but also join the vast and active network of alumni from the greater Newmark J-School community.