Program Overview

Executive Program in News Innovation and Leadership

The Executive Program in News Innovation and Leadership is a year-long program designed to equip a diverse group of changemakers with the knowledge, skills, and network necessary to lead the transformation of the news business and grow in their career. The program is unique in that it trains leaders to navigate the intersections of product, editorial, business, and technology to become effective in developing new revenue models and products and managing change in their organizations.

Program Structure

• The hybrid in-person/online program takes place from September to June and includes:
  • Three weeklong residencies in New York City — one at the start of the program in September, one at the program mid-point in February, and the final residency and graduation in June
  • Two-hour Zoom classes on Tuesdays, and an additional monthly leadership session on Thursdays
  • Personalized coaching over the course of the year
  • A capstone project

Program Outcomes

The alumni of the Executive Program in News Innovation and Leadership will:

• Understand the market forces shaping journalism’s business models
• Apply best practices in organizational design, business planning, and innovation management
• Develop new revenue models and growth strategies
• Foster a data-driven, audience-first approach to innovation
• Build and execute effective product strategies
• Strengthen leadership skills to attract, retain, and manage diverse, interdisciplinary teams
• Lead change and drive transformation in news organizations
• Build lasting relationships with peers, the Newmark J-School community, and the NYC’s media innovation ecosystem

Admission Requirements

Applicants will be expected to provide:

• Thoughtful responses to open-ended questions about their leadership experience
• Two letters of recommendation from people who can speak of their leadership skills and potential
• A resume
• A letter of intent of up to 1,000 words explaining what makes them a good candidate for this program
• Participants who make it through the first round will be scheduled for a video call with the program director or a member of the admissions committee

Tuition and Fees

The total cost is $27,000, which includes tuition, coaching, learning materials, university fees, and exclusive access to networking events. This does not include housing or travel.

Program Details

• The program is open to candidates from the editorial, product, business, and technology sides of media organizations
• The program is committed to a diverse cohort
• This is not an entry-level program; participants are expected to have some leadership experience
• Participants with strategic leadership responsibilities but no direct reports will also be considered

Syllabus

Classes

• The Business of Journalism
• Finance for Media Managers
• Product Management and Development
• Revenue Models and Business Development
• Managing Technology and Innovation
• Strategy and Execution
• Audience, Data, and Metrics
• Managing Culture and Change
• Teams, Structures & Workplace Belonging
• Leadership & Management in the Age of AI

Workshops

• Delegation & Prioritization
• Managing Family & Work
• Career Journeys
• Managerial Decision Making
• Building Resilience & Dealing with Resistance
• Navigating Difficult Conversations
• Leading Across Generations
• Your Voice, Your Story

Ongoing Activities

• Capstone Project
• Coaching and Mentoring
• Deep Dives & Fireside Chats
• Networking Events & Site Visits

FAQs

1. When does the program run? The next program will run from September 2026 to June 2027. Participants are expected to participate in 2-hour weekly online sessions each Tuesday, a monthly 2-hour leadership session on Thursdays, as well as attend 3 weeklong in-person residencies throughout the year, in September, February, and June.
2. What kind of candidates are you looking for? We are looking for media leaders who are passionate about driving change and innovation – whether they work in legacy news operations or at digital outlets.
3. Is the program open to international applicants? Yes, absolutely. Part of the mission of this executive program is to bring together a diverse, international cohort of media leaders that can profit from each other’s experience.
4. What is expected of participants? We ask that participants enter the program with a willingness to collaborate, share learnings, and mentor others. Attendance during residency weeks is mandatory.
5. Who teaches the courses? Classes and workshops will be led by a diverse and experienced group of media and innovation practitioners and adjunct faculty.
6. How much does the program cost? The total cost is $27,000, which includes tuition, coaching, learning materials, university fees, and exclusive access to networking events.
7. Is tuition assistance available? Several full and partial needs-based scholarships will be awarded to successful applicants.
8. What do participants get upon completion of the program? Participants who go through all the modules and finish a capstone project receive a Certificate of Completion issued by the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY.
9. Can you assist with housing in NYC? Unfortunately, we cannot help you find housing. However, the school is located in the Times Square area of Manhattan, which features many recently built hotels offering reasonable rates.