In a newsroom, every decision shapes the story. 

It takes the right call at the right moment, balancing audience, ratings and ethics, to make it work. And it all comes down to one group: TV producers.

Recognizing their pivotal role, Poynter created a specialized training program designed to support and empower these newsroom leaders. Peak Producing: Elevate Your Newsroom, Accelerate Your Career tackles the daily challenges producers face—from deciding what to cover to managing multiple platforms and meeting tight deadlines.

As program leader and Poynter Faculty Kerwin Speight puts it, "Producers' ability to think critically and connect the dots is crucial. This program provides the fundamentals needed to produce content in a world that’s changing at a rapid pace.” 

Over five days in St. Petersburg, Florida, participants will share ideas, learn proven methods and receive invaluable feedback on how to enhance their leadership and decision-making skills.

Makenzie Thusen of KXAN, a past participant, says, "Last year, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to learn from some of the best in the producing game at the Poynter Institute. Since then, I feel I’ve grown in an immense way professionally. I highly recommend their training.”

Applications for the program remain open until January 31st. Apply today to secure your spot and take the next step in your career.

Also this week: Season 2 of The Poynter Report Podcast launches

2025 has started with a bang, and with a lot of questions about what is happening in the media, season 2 of the Poynter Report Podcast is here. Join veteran journalist and media critic Tom Jones and his industry insider guests for 20 minutes every other week to feel informed and invested in the most relevant media news. Follow “The Poynter Report Podcast” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Amazon Music.

Read on to see what other training programs Poynter is offering this year.

Beat Academy: Polarized America

Covering Child Welfare: A Journalist’s Guide to Impactful Reporting

Lead With Influence (Sept. 2025)
In-person training
This is an interactive, virtual training for leaders who manage big responsibilities — such as processes, products or platforms — and have no direct reports. 
Cost: $600. Apply by July 31, 2025.

Grant Writing for Journalists
Online, self-directed course
Learn the ins and outs of applying for grants to support your journalism, from developing a project or program to measuring its success. Cost: Free. Enroll anytime.

Work-Life Chemistry
Six-week newsletter course
Kristen Hare, who teaches and covers local news for Poynter, has spent years preaching this popular reframe for work-life balance. In this course, she'll walk you through discovering your formula, building it for growth and using it to combat burnout. 
Cost: $50. Enroll anytime.

Immigration resources
Tip sheet and online self-directed course
Zita Arocha is a bilingual journalist, writer and educator who's offering her decades of expertise covering immigration to Poynter learners through her Immigration Matters tip sheets and Understanding U.S. Immigration from the Border to the Heartland, a free six-part, self-directed course.
Cost: Free.

Poynter ACES Certificates in Editing
Self-directed online courses
Our Introductory Certificate helps you achieve greater communications clarity; learn how to embrace accuracy and verification; gives you ways to perfect your grammar, word use and style; and imparts the skills you need to make you the kind of editor people are hungry to work with.
Cost: $150 or $99 for ACES members.
The Intermediate Certificate goes deeper into topics like grammar, working with writers, ethics, law and tech, offering a thorough grounding in the skills editors need to succeed in today's news, corporate and freelance environments. 
Cost: $250 or $175 for ACES members. Learn more.