When the Poynter Institute launched its digital media literacy initiative MediaWise in 2018, the nonpartisan nonprofit set an ambitious goal: Teach 1 million middle and high school students how to better detect misleading or inaccurate information on the internet. Now, nearly four years later, MediaWise has reached 21 million people of all ages in the United States and continues to grow its roster of robust educational programs.

With support from Meta, MediaWise this week announced a global expansion of its online fact-checking training. The project will develop an international extension to address information disorder in three countries.

MediaWise will adapt its highly-effective digital-first training to slow the spread of misinformation online and help older adults in Brazil, Spain and Turkey make informed decisions about the content they engage with and share across social media platforms.

College educators here in the U.S., you can still request a MediaWise Campus Correspondent to come to your classroom next semester to teach your students key digital literacy skills. 

Here's to a fact-forward, fresh new year! Scroll on for more from Poynter.

Self-directed course, start anytime

Learn about content audits, making inclusivity part of story workflow and growing subscribers in underserved communities from four Chicago-area newsrooms.

In the first two case studies, the Chicago Sun-Times and WGN-TV share their approaches to content audits. Next, the Associated Press Midwest Bureau describes its internal Inclusion Champions program. In the final case study, listen to the Chicago Tribune discuss subscriber-focused efforts centering underserved communities.

This is a quick, self-paced course with actionable resources and ideas you can apply to your newsroom, no matter your role in the organization.

In-person: Oct. 9-14, 2022

The Leadership Academy for Diversity in Media is a transformative, tuition-free leadership program that trains journalists of color working in digital media to thrive, professionally and personally.

In partnership with The Washington Post, the Poynter Institute is looking for the next 30 journalists of color to participate in its sixth academy. This group will join a network of 150+ graduates who regularly describe their experience as “life-changing.”

The program structure and curriculum provide participants the connections, confidence and skills to confront their challenges. Sessions are designed fresh each year to respond to industry trends, participant needs and evolving management challenges. Underscoring everything is Poynter’s expertise in leadership training and The Post’s expertise in digital innovation.

Hybrid: In-person and online program, March 2-29, 2022

The Poynter Producer Project is long on practicality and low on theory. This online and in-person hybrid seminar will help you expand your expertise as a TV producer with new writing, storytelling, coaching and ethical decision-making skills. Poynter senior faculty Al Tompkins and a five-star lineup of visiting professionals will sharpen your writing and ethical decision-making skills, stretch your leadership muscles and increase your value to your newsroom. 

Cost: $499. Apply by Jan. 25, 2022.

Hybrid: In-person and online program, April 5-28, 2022

This cornerstone Poynter seminar is perfect for reporters, photojournalists and VJ/MMJ/backpack journalists. Thousands of local, network and international journalists point to this practical seminar as the launchpad that ignited their careers. 

During this hybrid online and in-person training, you will have the chance to get individual feedback on your work, hone your critical thinking and learn to find the stories that others miss. When you’re done, you’ll have a toolkit full of practical skills and a roadmap to move your career ahead.

Cost: $499. Apply by Feb. 18, 2022.

Newsroom Readiness Certificate
Self-directed course, start anytime
This self-paced course includes five lessons about newsgathering, interviewing, media law, media ethics and diversity — basics all journalists should master. Cost: $49.99. On Sale! $29.95. Enroll now.