The Media Transformation Challenge (MTC) Program is proud to announce an expansion of its capacity to enhance leadership skills and increase the odds of performance success among news organizations professionals, thanks to a three-year $1 million grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. This grant will provide tuition assistance to 30 fellows and support the continued growth and development of the MTC program.

Recognized for its performance-driven, challenge-centric approach, the MTC Program equips media leaders with the tools, coaching, peer relationships and accountability needed to tackle urgent, measurable performance challenges. Fellows will join a cohort of executives from across the industry, focusing on achieving significant outcomes rather than simply proposing projects or pitches. This approach, pioneered by Doug Smith, Charlie Baum and other coaching colleagues, has driven extraordinary accomplishments across the media industry.

The Fellows represent a diverse group of leaders from established organizations, network entities and newer media enterprises. Their inclusion in the cohort ensures greater diversity, enriches the learning experience and fosters collaborations that strengthen the broader journalism ecosystem.

“Enhancing leadership within the journalism industry is a critical part of building a sustainable local news ecosystem,” said Knight Foundation Director of Journalism Marisa Kwiatkowski. “That’s why we are proud to support MTC’s work, which aims to make a lasting impact on the fellows, their organizations and the communities they serve.”

“We deeply appreciate Knight’s continued support, especially as it helps us maintain a diverse group of fellows from long-established organizations, network entities and newer enterprises,” MTC Executive Director Charlie Baum said. “This mix benefits all fellows, and Knight’s grant enables a more inclusive class that reflects the full scope of the journalism ecosystem. It also fosters more MTC-supported collaborations with significant impact, such as The Associated Press‘ sharing of 2024 election coverage with members of Institute for Nonprofit News, LION: Local Independent Online News Publishers and others.”

MTC is a yearlong fellowship for senior news executives. Now housed at the Poynter Institute, MTC began as the original Sulzberger Executive Leadership Program at Columbia in 2007. Coaches for the program include Amanda Barrett, Lauren Gustus, Stephane Mayoux, Fran Scarlett and Danyelle White, who bring over 100 years of journalism experience to the program.