THIS WEEK’S TL;DR:

Mark 50 years of journalism, truth and democracy; workshop for new managers; academy for women and nonbinary leaders; flagship academy for experienced managers; free training to archive and preserve your work

Our year-end campaign to celebrate 50 years of impact

Fifty years ago this week, Nelson Poynter founded a journalism school rooted in a belief that the way we share stories can — and must — be a force for good.

Ever since, we've helped journalists sharpen their skills, support their peers and lead their organizations with integrity.

This year tested our mission like never before. Meta cut ties with PolitiFact. The State Department canceled democracy-building programs. A foundational partner, CPB, shut down.

But we didn’t retreat. We marched forward, launching new and evergreen initiatives, such as:

• Leadership training for every stage of media management

• Pioneering mental health coverage training that protects both reporters and sources

• AI literacy programming to empower journalists in the changing media landscape

And many more.

Now, Poynter stands at a crossroads. We ask you to help us continue this important work.

We aim to raise $50,000 by Dec. 31 to sustain what we do into the new year.

Your gift to our year-end campaign ensures we can continue to support the training that helps journalists protect democracy.

Mark 50 years of impact. Give your gift to journalism education today.

Editors, we’re often torn between knowing exactly what’s needed to improve a story and doing it ourselves, micro or line editing; and coaching the reporter through story development toward the best approach—especially on deadline. I want to plug the coach approach. Why? Because asking the right question can guide a reporter to surface the ideal source, narrative, or ending for themselves, which sharpens skills rather than dulling instincts.

Coaching starts at the pitch. You might ask, “Who can you talk to that’s experiencing the impact of this?” It continues apace through the assignment: “What background will the audience need to understand this change?” or “What are two ways to end this piece?” If you’re on deadline, a live edit can be radically effective. Invite the reporter to sit with you while you edit the piece in real time in a shared document. This approach assists the reporter in understanding the why behind your changes and builds the foundation for a better next draft. There’s simply no substitute for that kind of 1:1, direct feedback.

📲 Coming soon: Book time with Kate to find out how Poynter’s Consulting & Coaching can strengthen your organization’s future.

THIS JUST IN

Get the tools to archive the first draft of history. Today’s News for Tomorrow, a collaboration between the Internet Archive, Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE), and the Poynter Institute with support from Press Forward, offers newsrooms free training, digital preservation services and sustained support to ensure the long-term preservation and access of their digital assets. Apply now.

ICYMI: NEWSLETTER UPDATE

Poynter Pro Weekly (formerly Weekly Training Digest) has a new look and feel based on your feedback. Look for organized resources, faculty tips and guidance from our experts — plus, reach out anytime with questions. Find us easily by searching "Poynter Pro Weekly" in your inbox.

Next week: Your newsletter will have a new sender — [email protected].

JOIN US IN PERSON

Meet the needs of modern teams with Poynter’s leadership and management programs.

⛰️ Essential Skills for New Managers — May or November

📅 May 18-22, 2026; $1,550 or Nov. 16-20, 2026; $1,550

Learn the art of managing up, get tactics for onboarding and retention of top talent and establish your credibility as a leader.

⛰️ Leadership Academy for Women

📅 March 23-27, 2026; $1,350

Get training to manage teams effectively, communicate strategic vision and lead organizations to growth.

⛰️ Poynter Leadership Academy

📅 April 20-24, 2026; $1,350

This transformative program teaches effective team engagement, strategic communication, and organizational success.

OPEN JOBS

FROM OUR NEWSROOM

REP POYNTER

Poynter receives minimal revenue from sales. To support Poynter’s mission financially, go to poynter.org/give.

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