The Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF) has launched the CJF Emerging News Voices Program, aimed at helping emerging Canadian content creators establish independent digital news platforms.
The Google News Initiative-supported, six-month program will provide up to 20 participants with intensive training, mentorship and support from coaches at Google News Initiative, YouTube and Blue Engine Collaborative, as well as guest experts from Canadian digital-first publishers and those innovating in the journalism space.
Covering topics from audience growth and AI newsroom applications to revenue models, financial sustainability, ethics and accountability, the training will culminate in a specific growth project to be presented at an in-person showcase in November in Toronto, as well as ongoing guidance.
“Our recent research underscores the vital role independent creators play in keeping Canadians informed,” said Natalie Turvey, President and Executive Director of the CJF, in an announcement. “We’re thrilled to launch this fast-track training program, bringing together North America’s top digital-first publishing experts to help emerging news voices explore new storytelling formats, run leaner and smarter operations, diversify revenue and build sustainable newsrooms that ensure the public has continued access to trustworthy local news.”
Applications are now open to independent journalists, podcasters, newsletter publishers, small newsrooms and other digital-first content creators committed to expanding their reach and experimenting with new formats and platforms, including AI.
