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The Lenfest Institute for Journalism

@lenfestinstitute.org
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Solutions for the next era of local news.

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Reposted by The Lenfest Institute for Journalism
Nieman Lab @niemanlab.org · 14h
OpenAI has doubled its support for the Lenfest Institute’s AI fellowship program. The $10 million will be used to place full-time engineering fellows inside local newsrooms for two years. buff.ly/Cyi7nXb
buff.ly
OpenAI doubles support for Lenfest’s AI and local news fellowships
With an additional $10 million in program funding, the Lenfest Institute will consider new applicants in local TV news and statewide public service journalism.
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The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 30/09/2026
Creator and newsroom partnerships can open new ways to reach audiences. In this recorded session Shawn Singh and Jennifer Chang of @houstonchronicle.com discuss changing audience expectations, newsroom support, and what each side can learn from the other. Watch now: www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7do...
youtube.com
Inside Houston’s creator economy: What successful creator/newsroom partnerships look like
YouTube video by The Lenfest Institute for Journalism
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The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 28/09/2026
We’re expanding the Lenfest AI Collaborative and Fellowship Program with a new $5M commitment from OpenAI, doubling its previous financial support, along with up to $5M in added software credits and engineering support. 🧵
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The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 25/09/2026
Audience habits, revenue models, technology, and newsroom roles are changing. Preparing for 2030 starts with understanding where your organization is strong, where gaps exist, and what capabilities it needs to build.
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The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 24/09/2026
Worth revisiting: At our Philadelphia Creator Summit, local creators and newsroom leaders explored what happens when creative appeal meets journalistic rigor, and how that hybrid approach can help local news reach more people.
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The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 22/09/2026
What would journalism look like if it were designed to reach people who no longer consume news through traditional channels? Get Real News founder Heidi Przybyla is testing a new model that brings journalists and local creators together. Read more: www.lenfestinstitute.org/solutions-re...
lenfestinstitute.org
Journalism has an audience problem. Get Real News is trying something new.
How Get Real News is bringing together creators and news organizations to reach audiences who have tuned out traditional news.
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The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 17/09/2026
Meaningful connections with funders don’t have to be left to chance. Beginning Sept. 22, @lookoutnews.bsky.social founder Jake Hylton will share a smarter, more human approach to meeting funders in “Engineering Serendipity,” a free three-part workshop series. Learn more: bit.ly/46nt3W1
lenfestinstitute.org
Engineering Serendipity: A smarter way to meet funders
A three-part workshop teaching news fundraisers to turn chance encounters with funders into meaningful, human relationships.
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The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 16/09/2026
Want to make short-form video a priority in your newsroom? Start by building the case for it. Tomorrow, join us alongside Video Consortium at 3 p.m. ET for the first session of “Steal My Workflow,” a free six-part crash course. Register: lnkd.in/gH_Bja9W
lnkd.in
LinkedIn
This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn
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The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 16/09/2026
Get Real News pairs journalists with local creators who already have real relationships with the communities news orgs struggle to reach. Publishers get in front of new audiences — and creators get to be trusted messengers on issues that matter, not just lifestyle content.
lenfestinstitute.org
Journalism has an audience problem. Get Real News is trying something new.
How Get Real News is bringing together creators and news organizations to reach audiences who have tuned out traditional news.
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The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 15/09/2026
Information is abundant. Why should someone come to your publication instead of an AI answer engine? That's one of the questions Sonali Verma, Amplification Lead for our AI Collaborative & Fellowship, believes every news organization should be asking.
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The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 11/09/2026
"People-first storytelling shouldn’t come at the cost of trust." A thoughtful perspective from TIME on why journalism and creators aren't opposing forces and why editorial judgment remains essential as audiences increasingly consume news across platforms. Worth the read: time.com/article/2026...
time.com
How TIME Is Embracing the Age of Creators
Behind the scenes of TIME’s list featuring the most influential digital voices
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The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 10/09/2026
Hoping for a lucky break with a program officer at the conference coffee break isn't a strategy — it's a gamble. Join our free, 3-part series, "Engineering Serendipity," Sept 22, 29 & Oct 6 at 2pm EDT to learn a smarter way to meet funders:
lenfestinstitute.org
Engineering Serendipity: A smarter way to meet funders
A three-part workshop teaching news fundraisers to turn chance encounters with funders into meaningful, human relationships.
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The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 08/09/2026
Through the Knight Communities Network, launched by The Lenfest Institute, news leaders are sharing ideas for strengthening Latino-serving media. This article explores what meaningful support looks like. Visit our website to learn more: www.lenfestinstitute.org/solutions-re...
lenfestinstitute.org
How funders can support Hispanic newsrooms in authentic ways
Research, listening, trust, and customized support goes a long way when funding Hispanic and Latino newsrooms.
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The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 08/09/2026
"It's not the technology that's the problem. Often it's the culture." Sonali Verma, the Amplification Lead for our AI Collaborative & Fellowship, shares why successful AI adoption starts with people. Read the full Q&A: bit.ly/4ynsOXx
bit.ly
Welcoming Chase Davis and Sonali Verma to the Lenfest AI Collaborative and Fellowship
Chase Davis is joining as Technical Lead and Sonali Verma will serve as Amplification Lead. Together, they will share lessons from the Lenfest AI Collaborative and Fellowship.
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The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 03/09/2026
Whether you're just starting with short-form video or looking to sharpen your workflow, this one's for you. "Steal My Workflow" is a free 6-session series covering strategy, scripting, filming, editing & distribution featuring journalists already doing this work. Thursdays, Sept 17–Oct 22. RSVP:
lenfestinstitute.org
‘Steal My Workflow:’ A short-form video workshop series
Video Consortium joins us for a six part, step-by-step series on how expert producers make short-form video journalism that hits.
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The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 03/09/2026
Last week, leaders from local news organizations gathered in Philadelphia for a meeting of the Lenfest AI Collaborative and Fellowship to trade notes and share strategies for how they’re leveraging AI in support of their public-service missions.
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The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 03/09/2026
"We're trying to play offense with a new technology... and really trying to empower people to figure out the best way to take advantage of these things in the context of the communities the different newsrooms serve." — Chase Davis, Technical Lead, Lenfest AI Collaborative and Fellowship Program
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The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 14/08/2026
We’re proud to support a new pilot program with Momentum Lab Pro that will help seven independent news organizations build revenue and strengthen their business operations. Learn more about the AI-powered revenue intelligence platform: momentumlabpro.io/news/momentu...
momentumlabpro.io
Momentum Lab Pro - AI-Powered Sales Automation Platform
Revolutionary sales automation platform combining AI intelligence with behavioral psychology. Boost your sales performance with smart automation, lead scoring, and continuous learning.
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The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 07/08/2026
"If we can save the industry some cycles of development, if we can keep people from reinventing the wheel because they can see what others are doing, learn from their mistakes & move faster, then we’re doing everyone a favor.”-Sonali Verma, Amplification Lead, AI Collaborative & Fellowship Program
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The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 29/07/2026
"Nobody told you that you, the journalism professional reading this, already know how to fundraise. The skills that make you good at your job as a journalist are the same skills that make someone great at fundraising. You were just led to believe that the training didn’t count here too."
lenfestinstitute.org
Lenfest News Philanthropy Summit: You don't need to become someone else to raise money
The skills that make you good at your job as a journalist are the same skills that make someone great at fundraising.
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The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 29/07/2026
As publishers utilize AI to support their workflows, OpenAI named its top experiments to watch. Among them: Projects from @inquirer.com, @sfstandard.com, Chicago Public Media, & @seattletimes.com — all members of the Lenfest AI Collaborative & Fellowship Program in partnership w/ OpenAI & Microsoft.
openai.com
How news organizations are using AI to advance their vital missions
News organizations are using AI to strengthen reporting, grow audiences, and improve business operations, with OpenAI tools supporting journalists and publishers worldwide.
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The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 28/07/2026
We're hiring a part time Media Ecosystem Coordinator to support a two-year initiative for local news organizations serving communities across Central Texas. This role is part of the Lenfest Expert Network & helps participating publishers stay connected, engaged, & informed. Apply by Sunday, Aug. 9:
lenfestinstitute.org
Now hiring: Central Texas Media Ecosystem Coordinator
The Lenfest Institute is seeking a Central Texas Media Ecosystem Coordinator to support a two-year media ecosystem initiative.
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The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 27/07/2026
Working at the crossroads of local journalism and philanthropy can leave you feeling like you’ve landed from another planet. But after the Lenfest News Philanthropy Summit, Ruth Marie Canahuati writes: “the most important achievement was discovering that I am not the only one who speaks Martian.”
lenfestinstitute.org
Lenfest News Philanthropy Summit — Speaking Martian: bringing journalism philanthropy to Honduras
How the Lenfest News Philanthropy Summit can help build bridges between philanthropy and media outlets beyond the U.S.
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The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 27/07/2026
Houston-based creator Shawn Singh (@ShawnTheFoodSheep) and Jennifer Chang from the @houstonchronicle.com are joining the Lenfest Audience Community this week for a candid conversation on how the media and creator ecosystems are working together. Learn more this Thursday at 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT:
lenfestinstitute.org
Inside Houston’s creator economy: What successful creator/newsroom partnerships look like
Creator Shawn Singh & The Houston Chronicle share how the media and creator ecosystems are evolving in this free workshop.
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The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 24/07/2026
“In most news orgs, serving today’s audience and preparing tomorrow’s journalists are separate endeavors. At The Red & Black, they are one and the same.” How the Lenfest News Philanthropy Summit helped The Red & Black find clarity around its mission to train the next generation of reporters:
lenfestinstitute.org
Lenfest News Philanthropy Summit: The future of local news is sitting in a student newsroom
Helping student media build sustainable businesses will ensure the next generation of reporters have a place to hone their skills.
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The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 23/07/2026
What does a sustainable local news look like in 2026? After analyzing 900+ sustainability audits from nearly 600 independent news orgs, @lionpubs.bsky.social introduced a "Sustaining" stage that emphasizes resilience, adaptability & long-term organizational health. Worth the read: bit.ly/4vHGpX9
bit.ly
Trove of LION Audit data reveals what a 'Sustaining' news business looks like in 2026 - LION Publishers
More than 400 local news businesses later, we’ve adjusted our maturity model to better reflect resiliency in the sector.
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The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 22/07/2026
AI can add capacity, but human judgment remains a key advantage in journalism. Sonali Verma & Chase Davis from our AI Collaborative &Fellowship share how they see AI creating opportunities for local news while reinforcing the value of trusted journalism. Read more: bit.ly/4ynsOXx #localnews
bit.ly
Welcoming Chase Davis and Sonali Verma to the Lenfest AI Collaborative and Fellowship
Chase Davis is joining as Technical Lead and Sonali Verma will serve as Amplification Lead. Together, they will share lessons from the Lenfest AI Collaborative and Fellowship.
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The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 14/07/2026
We're excited to welcome Chase Davis (Technical Lead) and Sonali Verma (Amplification Lead) to the Lenfest AI Collaborative and Fellowship. In a new Q&A, they discuss why sharing successes and setbacks matters and where they see AI creating opportunities for local news. Read more: bit.ly/4ynsOXx
Headshot images of Sonali Verma and Chase Davis on a white background.
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The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 05/07/2026
As America celebrates its 250th birthday, it's worth asking: what actually keeps democracy running? We believe local news is a big part of the answer. This holiday weekend, we’re grateful to local news organizations across the country for their work — and to people like you who make it possible.
lenfestinstitute.org
Newsletter: Celebrating independent news for Independence Day
Ahead of America's 250th anniversary, new data from the Statewide News Collective reveals how local news inspires civic engagement.
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The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 02/07/2026
As local newsrooms face business challenges, the Lenfest Expert Network is working to connect them with consultants that provide tailored solutions — all at no cost to the newsroom. Less than a year after launching, our experts are already making an impact on publishers ⬇️
editorandpublisher.com
Lenfest connects local newsrooms with the expertise they need to grow - Editor and Publisher
Local news organizations know they need to evolve. The challenge is often figuring out how. As publishers wrestle with audience growth, revenue diversification and long-term sustainability, a growing ...
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Reposted by The Lenfest Institute for Journalism
American Journalism Project @theajp.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
New research from @lenfestinstitute.org examined five AJP-supported statewide nonprofit newsrooms and found readers are better informed about local issues and more likely to participate in civic life. More ⬇️
theajp.org
Nonprofit local news is building trust and civic engagement, research finds - American Journalism Project
Research from Lenfest Institute and Danny Hayes explores how five statewide local news organizations are growing and engaging audiences.
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The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 25/06/2026
How well is your news organization prepared to manage shifting trends in audience, revenue, tech, and operations? Introducing the 2030 Newsroom Readiness Diagnostic, a free tool to help your org identify areas for growth and find resources to help you prepare for the future:
lenfestinstitute.org
Is your news organization ready for what’s next? Take our new diagnostic to find out
The 2030 Newsroom Readiness Diagnostic can help your news org find audience, revenue, technology, and organizational change resources.
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The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 24/06/2026
The Lenfest Institute is honored to be part of Press Forward's new $1.5 million grant program. Through this investment, we’ll continue our work in Pennsylvania to expand access to trusted local journalism and develop First Amendment-friendly policy solutions in support of local news.
pressforward.news
Press Forward Invests $1.45 Million to Advance State Policies Supporting Local News | Press Forward
The investment will help coalitions advocate for states to expand access to trusted local news.
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The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 24/06/2026
📣 Calling all Philly media and community organizations: Join us for a virtual info session today at 1 p.m. EDT to learn more about how you can get involved with Every Voice, Every Vote. Register here:
lenfestinstitute-org.zoom.us
Welcome! You are invited to join a meeting: EVEV 3.0 - Virtual Info Session. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email about joining the meeting.
Join us for this virtual info session about the EVEV 3.0 grant application cycle. This session is open to media leaders, community organizations, researchers, social media ambassadors, storytellers,...
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The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 22/06/2026
Marketing your newsroom’s work is essential to securing support and advancing your mission. @kenschneck.bsky.social of @thebuckeyeflame.com joins the Lenfest News Philanthropy Network this Thursday, June 25 at 3 p.m. EDT / 12 p.m. PDT to teach the art of "shameless self-promotion" 📣💡⭐
lenfestinstitute.org
Shameless self promotion: Selling your newsroom idea clearly, concisely, and compellingly
A free virtual encore presentation from the 2026 Lenfest News Philanthropy Summit to help news organizations market their work.
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The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 17/06/2026
“Newsrooms can no longer ignore the parallel creator economy but must instead find ways to engage with it.” @poynterinstitute.bsky.social shares how independent news creators are finding their footing in the media ecosystem — including through programs like the Lenfest News Creator Collaborative:
poynter.org
What journalists gain — and lose — when they go independent - Poynter
The creator economy is opening new doors for journalists. But can independence replace everything a newsroom provides?
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Reposted by The Lenfest Institute for Journalism
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 15/06/2026
Join the Lenfest Audience Community this Wednesday: @inquirer.com shares how it's fueling triple-digit subscription growth, increasing reader revenue, and strengthening subscriber retention in a highly competitive media landscape. Register now to learn about building long-term loyalty ⬇️
lenfestinstitute.org
Driving subscription growth, retention, & high-impact journalism with The Philadelphia Inquirer
A workshop on subscription growth, increasing reader revenue, and strengthening subscriber retention in a highly competitive media landscape.
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The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 16/06/2026
If you're at #INNDays in Pittsburgh this week: Sign up for Lenfest Expert Network office hours and learn how to use creators to grow audience, expand distribution, reach younger consumers, and build sustainable engagement strategies. Only a few slots remain ⬇️
calendly.com
INN Days Creator Strategy Session - Cheryl Thompson-Morton
A 45-minute 1:1 strategy session with creator journalism consultant Dion Rabouin at INN Days 2026. Please complete all intake questions so Dion can make the most of your time together. Sessions are in...
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The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 16/06/2026
Every Voice, Every Vote is today announcing the launch of a new, two-year, $1.8 million grant program to support in-depth local journalism on key issues and drive civic action in Philadelphia. Applications for funding are now open through July 13.
lenfestinstitute.org
Every Voice, Every Vote coalition launches two-year, $1.8M grant program to expand civic news and information efforts
Philadelphia media and community organizations can apply for funding to support civic news and information efforts from now through July 13.
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Reposted by The Lenfest Institute for Journalism
The Philadelphia Citizen @thephilacitizen.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
@lenfestinstitute.org announced the launch of the Philadelphia Local News 2030 Initiative, a two-year, $1 million grant program that provides support to 10 Philadelphia-area local newsrooms.
thephiladelphiacitizen.org
Lenfest Institute’s Bet on Local News
Ten Philly-area organizations will receive funding, consulting and innovation services through the Philadelphia Local News 2030 Initiative
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The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 15/06/2026
Join the Lenfest Audience Community this Wednesday: @inquirer.com shares how it's fueling triple-digit subscription growth, increasing reader revenue, and strengthening subscriber retention in a highly competitive media landscape. Register now to learn about building long-term loyalty ⬇️
lenfestinstitute.org
Driving subscription growth, retention, & high-impact journalism with The Philadelphia Inquirer
A workshop on subscription growth, increasing reader revenue, and strengthening subscriber retention in a highly competitive media landscape.
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The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 10/06/2026
Happening tomorrow ⬇️
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Reposted by The Lenfest Institute for Journalism
Media Resilience Network @mdrnetorg.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
At this year’s @lenfestinstitute.org summit, we hosted a discussion with news media fundraisers, editors and publishers to learn more about their work and how the pressures they face are impacting their mental well-being. Read our latest blog post: mdrnet.org/2026/06/05/t...
At this year’s Lenfest Institute Summit, we hosted a discussion with news media fundraisers, editors and publishers to learn more about their work and how the pressures they face are impacting their mental well-being.
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The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 09/06/2026
A new report on five Statewide News Collective members — @mtnstspotlight.bsky.social, @spotlightpa.org, @coloradosun.com, @thenvindy.com, and @mississippitoday.org — reveals how independent local news creates community, inspires civic engagement, and leaves a lasting, real-world impact ⬇️
lenfestinstitute.org
The Community Impact of Independent Journalism: New Evidence from Five States
A new study on five statewide newsrooms reveals independent local journalism is making substantial contributions to civic life.
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The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 04/06/2026
What if news products could move beyond static articles and adapt to each reader's individual interests and needs? Kevin Delaney joined @jimfriedlich.bsky.social on the latest episode of Newsroom Robots to discuss how @sfstandard.com's AI-powered news app is doing just that.
newsroomrobots.com
How The San Francisco Standard is Reinventing the News App: In Conversation with Kevin Delaney & Jim Friedlich
This episode of Newsroom Robots is supported by The Lenfest Institute for Journalism.
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The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 04/06/2026
Drawing on her experience at Future Tides, Cara Kuhlman joins the Lenfest Communities of Practice on June 11 at 2 p.m. EDT / 11 a.m. PDT to introduce a “tours-as-journalism” model, showing how walking tours can function as storytelling platforms, engagement tools, and revenue streams.
lenfestinstitute.org
Walking the news: Building walking tours to engage audiences and generate revenue
A free session from the Lenfest Communities of Practice on how walking tours can drive engagement and revenue.
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The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 03/06/2026
What does it take to build news orgs that can serve communities through 2030 and beyond? Today we're launching the Philadelphia Local News 2030 Initiative, a $1 million effort to help 10 Philly-area publishers experiment with new business models and adapt to a rapidly changing media landscape.
lenfestinstitute.org
Lenfest Institute launches $1 million Philadelphia Local News 2030 Initiative
Ten Philadelphia-area news organizations will receive funding, consulting, and innovation services through a two-year, $1 million initiative focused on sustainability.
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Reposted by The Lenfest Institute for Journalism
Sunlight Research Desk @sunlightresearch.bsky.social · 29/05/2026
We worked with 13 newsrooms to test a new toolkit from to help them improve communication and fundraising around their investigative work. buff.ly/gA4t4u7
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The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 29/05/2026
What does it take to rally support for local journalism? At the 2026 Lenfest News Philanthropy Summit, 500 news fundraisers, publishers, and funders shared tips for: 💬 Telling your organization’s story 🤝 Finding alignment with donors 💸 Building a revenue mix that goes beyond philanthropy
lenfestinstitute.org
‘Think about the vision and the world that you're building:’ How fundraisers are fueling the future of local news
What does it take to rally support for local journalism? Fundraisers at the 2026 Lenfest News Philanthropy Summit share best practices.
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The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 26/05/2026
“We are collectively building a culture of philanthropy that centers the special, profound privilege of partnering with donors and funders who are willing to give up their resources and who believe strongly in our work, and in our mission, to make their community—and our democracy—stronger.”
lenfestinstitute.org
From crisis to renaissance: Reflections on the 2026 Lenfest News Philanthropy Summit
Annie McCain writes that news fundraisers are at the vanguard of a movement to lead local journalism from crisis to renaissance.
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