The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 12hWho else should be included? Share your recommendations below. We’ll continue updating the pack as this community grows. 000
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 12hThe pack includes organizations working across the local news sustainability ecosystem, including @theajp.bsky.social, @lionpubs.bsky.social, @newsrevenuehub.bsky.social, @ampress.bsky.social, @centerforcooperativemedia.org, @rebuildlocalnews.bsky.social, and @inn.org. 110
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 12hLooking to connect with people and organizations building a sustainable future for local news? We created a Starter Pack featuring leaders in revenue, philanthropy, policy, innovation, and community-centered journalism. Explore the pack and follow along: go.bsky.app/KaAUeN8 122
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 18hThe toolkit includes ethical guidance, practical assessment tools, and a visual framework that uses green, yellow, and red indicators to help funders evaluate potential partners. Explore the Creator Journalism Trust Framework: www.lenfestinstitute.org/wp-content/u...lenfestinstitute.org 000
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 18hCreator journalists are reaching communities traditional news outlets often miss. Funders need clear ways to assess trust, credibility, and fit. We created a free toolkit with Project C (@lizkellynelson.com) and @trustingnews.bsky.social to help: www.lenfestinstitute.org/solutions-re...lenfestinstitute.orgThe Creator Journalism Trust and Credibility Toolkit: A guide for fundersThe Creator Journalism Trust and Credibility Toolkit helps local news funders engage in partnerships with credible creator journalists. 110
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 05/10/2026Read more about the program and its next phase here: www.lenfestinstitute.org/institute-ne...lenfestinstitute.orgThe Lenfest Institute expands landmark AI Collaborative and Fellowship Program with new OpenAI supportOpenAI's $5 million commitment will help the Lenfest AI Collaborative bring responsible AI innovation to the broader local news ecosystem. 000
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 05/10/2026Members of the Collaborative share how the program, launched in partnership with OpenAI and Microsoft, was designed to strengthen news organizations while preserving the human judgment, editorial integrity, expertise, and trust at the heart of local journalism. 100
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 05/10/2026Over the past year, the Fellows have built more than 50 AI tools and services for local news. This is the first in a series of videos profiling the Lenfest AI Fellows and their work: youtu.be/I7zjUSwGmiA?...youtu.beThe Lenfest AI Collaborative and Fellowship ProgramYouTube video by The Lenfest Institute for Journalism 111
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 05/10/2026Since its launch in 2024, our AI Collaborative & Fellowship has placed full-time AI engineering fellows in 11 news organizations. The AI Engineering Fellows have helped local news orgs accelerate innovation, strengthen business sustainability, and responsibly adopt emerging AI technology. 110
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 01/10/2026Among participating publishers, newsletter growth nearly doubled without weakening engagement, recurring support increased, and weekly advertising and sponsorship revenue rose. Explore the findings and practical lessons: www.lenfestinstitute.org/solutions-re...lenfestinstitute.orgThe compounding effect of doing revenue workNewspack's Revenue Development Program reveals how simple strategy tweaks can drive compounding revenue results for publishers. 000
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 01/10/2026Worth revisiting: Local publishers may have more revenue potential within their existing audiences than they realize. Data from @newspack.com’s Revenue Development Program shows how focused improvements to newsletters, reader support, and advertising can produce gains that continue over time. 100
Reposted by The Lenfest Institute for JournalismNieman Lab @niemanlab.org · 30/09/2026OpenAI 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/Cyi7nXbbuff.lyOpenAI doubles support for Lenfest’s AI and local news fellowshipsWith an additional $10 million in program funding, the Lenfest Institute will consider new applicants in local TV news and statewide public service journalism. 003
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 30/09/2026Creator 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.comInside Houston’s creator economy: What successful creator/newsroom partnerships look likeYouTube video by The Lenfest Institute for Journalism 011
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 28/09/2026Learn more here: youtu.be/Ml8yw6JUEOA?...youtu.beThe Lenfest AI Collaborative and Fellowship ProgramYouTube video by The Lenfest Institute for Journalism 000
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 28/09/2026The first two years reinforced an important lesson: Responsible AI adoption depends as much on trust, collaboration, and clear guardrails as it does on technology. Embedding locally hired fellows within news organizations allowed them to listen, learn, and build alongside staff. 000
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 28/09/2026Since the program launched in 2024, full-time AI Engineering Fellows have worked inside 11 major news orgs, collaborating with journalists, product teams, revenue staff, and organizational leaders to develop practical tools, policies, and strategies rooted in each organization’s needs. 100
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 28/09/2026We’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. 🧵 111
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 25/09/2026Our free 2030 Newsroom Readiness Diagnostic assesses audience development, revenue, operations and technology, and workforce development. Complete it to receive a personalized readiness profile, recommendations, and resources. Take the diagnostic: lenfestinstitute.typeform.com/to/LjhJkP4ulenfestinstitute.typeform.com2030 Newsroom Readiness DiagnosticTurn data collection into an experience with Typeform. Create beautiful online forms, surveys, quizzes, and so much more. Try it for FREE. 000
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 25/09/2026Audience 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. 120
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 24/09/2026Creators strengthened their sourcing, fact-checking, and story strategy. Newsrooms gained insight into visual presentation, humor, and audience connection. During one partnership, @greenphilly.bsky.social’s Instagram following grew 10%. Explore more lessons: www.lenfestinstitute.org/solutions-re...lenfestinstitute.org‘Context Creator:’ How local content creators are adding journalistic rigor to their workAt the Philadelphia Creator Summit, creators and newsrooms shared lessons about a hybrid approach to covering local news. 010
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 24/09/2026Worth 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. 110
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 22/09/2026What 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.orgJournalism 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. 000
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 17/09/2026Meaningful 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/46nt3W1lenfestinstitute.orgEngineering Serendipity: A smarter way to meet fundersA three-part workshop teaching news fundraisers to turn chance encounters with funders into meaningful, human relationships. 011
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 16/09/2026Video journalist and producer Jake Nicol will share practical strategies and organizational workflows that can help newsrooms of all sizes build internal support for short-form video and create work that moves the needle. 010
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 16/09/2026Want 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_Bja9Wlnkd.inLinkedInThis link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn 110
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 16/09/2026Get 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.orgJournalism 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. 000
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 15/09/2026How are you thinking about trust, differentiation, and the value your journalism provides? Read more: bit.ly/4ynsOXxbit.lyWelcoming Chase Davis and Sonali Verma to the Lenfest AI Collaborative and FellowshipChase 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. 000
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 15/09/2026Information 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. 100
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.comHow TIME Is Embracing the Age of CreatorsBehind the scenes of TIME’s list featuring the most influential digital voices 011
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 10/09/2026Back by popular demand after the 2026 News Philanthropy Summit, Jake Hylton of @lookoutnews.bsky.social helps you move past the elevator pitch. Leave with a customizable prospect blueprint, open-source intelligence skills, and the confidence to stop chasing checks and start building relationships.lenfestinstitute.orgEngineering Serendipity: A smarter way to meet fundersA three-part workshop teaching news fundraisers to turn chance encounters with funders into meaningful, human relationships. 011
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 10/09/2026Hoping 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.orgEngineering Serendipity: A smarter way to meet fundersA three-part workshop teaching news fundraisers to turn chance encounters with funders into meaningful, human relationships. 110
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 08/09/2026Through 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.orgHow funders can support Hispanic newsrooms in authentic waysResearch, listening, trust, and customized support goes a long way when funding Hispanic and Latino newsrooms. 001
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/4ynsOXxbit.lyWelcoming Chase Davis and Sonali Verma to the Lenfest AI Collaborative and FellowshipChase 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. 000
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 03/09/2026Whether 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 seriesVideo Consortium joins us for a six part, step-by-step series on how expert producers make short-form video journalism that hits. 010
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 03/09/2026Stay tuned for additional updates and more insights from the AI Fellows. You can learn more about the program and the participating outlets here: www.lenfestinstitute.org/our-work/len...lenfestinstitute.orgLenfest AI Collaborative and Fellowship ProgramThe Lenfest AI Collaborative and Fellowship Program, in partnership with OpenAI & Microsoft, explores how AI can support news businesses. 000
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 03/09/2026• AI Fellows shared updates on their projects, including tools to improve ad placements across digital platforms and automate print newspaper layout. • Discussions about how publishers are empowering their staffs from across the organization to vibe code and experiment with new AI-powered tools. 100
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 03/09/2026Highlights of the two days included: • Product updates from our partners at OpenAI and Microsoft sharing what’s next on their roadmaps and how they can continue to partner with publishers. 100
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 03/09/2026Last 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. 100
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 03/09/2026Visit our website to learn more about Chase Davis and our AI Collaborative and Fellowship: bit.ly/4ynsOXxbit.lyWelcoming Chase Davis and Sonali Verma to the Lenfest AI Collaborative and FellowshipChase 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. 000
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 100
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 14/08/2026We’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.ioMomentum Lab Pro - AI-Powered Sales Automation PlatformRevolutionary sales automation platform combining AI intelligence with behavioral psychology. Boost your sales performance with smart automation, lead scoring, and continuous learning. 031
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 07/08/2026Visit our website to learn more about Sonali Verma and our AI Collaborative and Fellowship: bit.ly/4ynsOXxbit.lyWelcoming Chase Davis and Sonali Verma to the Lenfest AI Collaborative and FellowshipChase 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. 000
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 100
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.orgLenfest News Philanthropy Summit: You don't need to become someone else to raise moneyThe skills that make you good at your job as a journalist are the same skills that make someone great at fundraising. 010
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 29/07/2026As 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.comHow news organizations are using AI to advance their vital missionsNews organizations are using AI to strengthen reporting, grow audiences, and improve business operations, with OpenAI tools supporting journalists and publishers worldwide. 000
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 28/07/2026We'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.orgNow hiring: Central Texas Media Ecosystem CoordinatorThe Lenfest Institute is seeking a Central Texas Media Ecosystem Coordinator to support a two-year media ecosystem initiative. 000
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 27/07/2026Working 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.orgLenfest News Philanthropy Summit — Speaking Martian: bringing journalism philanthropy to HondurasHow the Lenfest News Philanthropy Summit can help build bridges between philanthropy and media outlets beyond the U.S. 000
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 27/07/2026Houston-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.orgInside Houston’s creator economy: What successful creator/newsroom partnerships look likeCreator Shawn Singh & The Houston Chronicle share how the media and creator ecosystems are evolving in this free workshop. 012
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.orgLenfest News Philanthropy Summit: The future of local news is sitting in a student newsroomHelping student media build sustainable businesses will ensure the next generation of reporters have a place to hone their skills. 000
The Lenfest Institute for Journalism @lenfestinstitute.org · 23/07/2026What 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/4vHGpX9bit.lyTrove of LION Audit data reveals what a 'Sustaining' news business looks like in 2026 - LION PublishersMore than 400 local news businesses later, we’ve adjusted our maturity model to better reflect resiliency in the sector. 010