Poynter, Gannett join forces to create transformative training program

The Poynter Institute will partner with Gannett Co., Inc. to train thousands of Gannett's U.S. Community Publishing journalists.

The training supports a strategic transformation in Gannett's newsrooms. Each news organization – and each job – has been reshaped and revitalized to serve readers better. The Newsroom of the Future concept is based on ongoing research into changing patterns of news consumers; the training is designed to prepare journalists to stay ahead of those patterns.

Poynter will partner in the development of training designed for more than a dozen job-specific programs that will include new courses developed specifically for Gannett's newsroom transformation. The training program will use Poynter's full and part-time faculty, and its e-learning platform, NewsU.

This represents the largest corporate training program in Poynter's 39-year history.

"We're excited to undertake this ambitious training opportunity with a partner like Gannett, which is heavily invested in transforming the way newsrooms envision the practice of journalism," said Poynter president Tim Franklin. "We developed this groundbreaking program using all the teaching methods that make Poynter the gold standard in journalism training, from e-learning to in-person coaching to online seminars, Webinars and certificate programs."

"We value Poynter's unique ability to deliver this extraordinary training via its highly respected e-learning platform NewsU and its other programs that foster journalistic excellence," said Kate Marymont, senior vice president of news for Gannett's U.S. Community Publishing. "This partnership is an investment in continuing each of our journalists' professional development. The tools used to gather and distribute news change constantly and we are committed to helping journalists stay ahead of the curve."

The program will begin in early 2015 with a company-wide assessment of newsroom staffers' training needs and skills they need to do the jobs required. The survey will build on the work of Poynter's newsroom training survey, "Constant Training. New Normal or Missed Opportunity," released in November.

Gannett's goals include the development of journalists who are audience-focused and able to build and engage those audiences and their communities. Once the training needs assessment is complete, Poynter will shape a tailored program and curriculum specifically designed to address strategic goals.

"This is not a one-size-fits-all program," said Poynter's Howard Finberg, who is helping coordinate the training partnership with Gannett. "What's exciting is the full range of Poynter programs being used to provide training to thousands of journalists, quickly and efficiently. And it's an opportunity to watch this bold program take shape."

In addition to the e-learning modules and the in-person workshops, Poynter will create a special area on Poynter NewsU for Gannett employees to make the training easily accessible, similar to the custom areas created for other news organizations.