Applications are now open for the Local Newsroom Leadership Programme, a six-month capacity-building initiative from fraycollege designed for journalists and emerging leaders from independent and community newsrooms across South Africa.
About the programme
Many independent and community newsrooms across South Africa face a sustainability crisis, from declining revenue to limited leadership capacity, putting media diversity and communities’ access to trusted local news at risk. By investing in leadership, digital innovation, financial resilience, and inclusive reporting, the Local Newsroom Leadership Programme aims to strengthen the sustainability, relevance, and impact of independent and community newsrooms across South Africa. It will build stronger, more resilient newsroom leaders, while helping ensure local journalism continues to inform communities and strengthen democracy.
Over six months, participants will build practical skills across a range of topics, some delivered through self-paced e-courses, others through live, interactive online sessions led by experienced practitioners. Topics include:
- Media Management
- Revenue Generation
- Gender Sensitivity and Reporting on Gender-Based Violence
- Understanding the South African Governance System
- Artificial Intelligence in Journalism
- Leadership in a Time of Rapid Change and Crisis
- Climate Change Reporting
- Digital Content Strategies and Skills
The programme will start in September. Live sessions run on the second Thursday of each month, from 09:00 to 13:00. E-courses are self-paced and can be completed in participants’ own time within each month.
Participants will also receive three tailored coaching sessions, focused on leadership development, organisational growth, revenue diversification, digital innovation, audience engagement, and strengthening gender-inclusive newsroom practices.
Local Innovations for Local Newsrooms Competition
The programme closes with the Local Innovations for Local Newsrooms Competition, open to all participants. Starting from month one, participants identify a real problem in their own newsroom and, drawing on everything they learn across the six months, develop a practical solution to address it. Entries are submitted in December, with shortlisted newsrooms presenting their problem and solution at a final showcase in February. The competition gives participants a chance to put their learning into practice and be recognised for tackling the real challenges their newsrooms face.
Who can apply
To be eligible, applicants must be currently working at, or actively contributing to, a small or medium-sized independent or community newsroom in South Africa. Applicants also need reliable internet access for online learning, and their newsroom needs to be willing to support their participation, including release of time for live sessions and coaching. Selection will prioritise those living with disabilities, and up to 30 participants will be selected.
Commitment required
Applicants need to be able to commit to the full six months, including monthly e-courses, live sessions, and coaching. As part of the application, candidates will need to submit a CV, a certified matric certificate, and a certified ID document, all not older than three months. These documents are required for funding compliance purposes only and will not be used for any other purpose.
Apply here
Applications close on 16 August.
https://forms.gle/NqU5YfM2nVaT1Bkm9
If you have any questions, please email us at: admin@fraycollege.com
