Supported by the News Integrity Initiative at CUNY Graduate School of Journalism, the Engaged Journalism Accelerator is a €2m fund, coaching, resources and events programme for European news organisations. The original fund has been matched by sustainability partners Civil.
Engaged journalism puts community engagement (geographical or topical) at the centre of its ownership, reporting, distribution, impact and revenue. €600k of grants for 10 - 15 organisations will support new revenue and sustainability and are focused on emerging media organisations with proven user loyalty.
Two rounds of open calls start in October 2018 and February 2019 with a simple application process designed to attract a diverse range of applicants engaging a diverse range of audiences. All grantees get optional access to Civil technology, tokens, community and mentorship.
Coaching for grantees and the wider community, open to any media organisation or journalist, will spread benefits beyond the grantees. A peer mentorship network for 100 people and newsroom partnerships connecting start-ups with legacy media will also be launched.
Resources for all newsrooms interested in new models of engagement and sustainability, plus 10 European events and meet-ups from the United Kingdom to Ukraine will help disseminate new ideas and strategies for sustainability.