For potential students and current owners and publishers.
The NewStart program at West Virginia University identifies and trains the next generation of media entrepreneurs so they can purchase existing community newspapers or other media outlets and transform their business models to ensure long-term viability so news deserts do not expand across the country.
The program is currently recruiting for its next cohort of students and is offering an information session to learn more about what the program has to offer.
Why may current owners and publishers be interested? Good question.
Here’s why:
- Current owners may be near retirement age, but do not have a succession plan. Students in the NewStart program may be interested in purchasing their publications.
- Current owners may want to pass ownership on to someone within their business. Having that person go through this program could be very beneficial.
- Current owners may have a rising star within their newsroom. They may want to invest in training for that person, who can bring new revenue and content ideas back to improve the bottom line.
And here are a few facts about the program:
- NewStart offers a one-year, accelerated master’s degree program in Media Solutions and Innovation.
- It is expanding this year by also offering a certificate program, which would be a great option for existing employee training opportunities.
- It is totally remote, so anyone can learn from anywhere.
“For me, the highlight of being involved with newspapering every step of the way has been meeting and collaborating with interesting people that care deeply about the future of newspapers and journalism. After years of doing that within Iowa, NewStart was a chance to do it on a national scale, from home, while still working fulltime in Iowa Falls. I applied to NewStart for the opportunity to earn a fellowship and an advanced degree I never imagined I wanted. I got that, but I also came away with an incredible network of like-minded newspaper folks who continue to share their insight with me long after my classes have ended.
“I’d love to talk to anyone in Iowa that’s considering applying for NewStart because I know Iowa is one of the best community journalism states in the country.”
Tony Baranowski, Iowa Falls Times Citizen
