We’re proud to share inspiring stories of news media organizations that have benefited from our programs
Dear friends and colleagues in the local media industry,
When we launched the Lab for Journalism Funding three years ago, we knew it would be essential for the industry. Watching one of our lab alumni hire 20 new reporters in two years, all funded by philanthropy, exceeded even our sky-high expectations.
That company is Georges Media Group, which includes NOLA.com, The Times-Picayune and The Advocate. CEO Judi Terzotis told us those hires would not have been possible without the coaching received in the lab. Some of those reporters now serve a part of Louisiana that had little to no local news coverage. It’s an incredible story.
Similarly, when we launched the Meta Branded Content Project, we knew it would be a home run for many companies. Chris Bennett, publisher/owner of the Seattle Medium, just surpassed $1 million in branded content sales — almost all from new advertisers. He credits the Meta Branded Content Project as the biggest contributor to his long term sustainability.
Broadcasters such as Graham Media Group and WRAL are having success in a wide range of LMA/LMF programs as they navigate new and accelerated disruption.
Last year, we led this report with the story of Larry Lee, publisher/owner of The Sacramento Observer, who quadrupled the size of his team after participating in a number of LMA/LMF initiatives including Knight x LMA BloomLab, Word In Black and the Lab for Journalism Funding. In 2023, he was recognized by NNPA as Publisher of the Year and Newspaper of the Year, and in Sacramento as Small Business of the Year.
These stories inspire us every day. We’re proud to share this 2023 Impact Report and excited for our 2024 plans.
Respectfully,
Nancy Lane and Jay Small
Co-CEOs, LMA and LMF
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