We all know the media landscape is shifting. Audiences are finding their news on TikTok, podcasts, newsletters, and YouTube before they ever flip to a broadcast or broadsheet. And who’s leading that shift? Independent creators.

That’s why I’m excited to share that the Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF) — with support from Google News Initiative — has launched the NextGen Creator-Journalists Training Program: Digital Catalyst. This program is designed to help digital-first creators (yep, that means podcasters, newsletter publishers, YouTubers, and small newsrooms) take their work from passion project to fully sustainable news organizations.

Here’s the breakdown:

• 12 months of support — six months of weekly online workshops, then six months of mentorship with Canada’s leading digital-first publishers.
• Practical skills like SEO, analytics, YouTube optimization, podcast growth, grant writing, and revenue strategies.
• Editorial standards that protect your credibility (fact-checking, ethics, legal).
• Funding access — when you finish the program, you can qualify for up to $10,000 in stipends to invest back into your growth.

And because accessibility matters — the program is completely free for those selected. Whether you’re based in Canada or a Canadian citizen abroad telling Canadian stories, you’re eligible to apply.

The cohort will be small — just 20 participants — and it all leads up to an in-person Showcase in Toronto, October 2026, where you’ll present your project to funders, peers, and media leaders.

Natalie Turvey, CJF president and executive director, said:

“Independent creators are filling critical information gaps across the country. This program gives Canada’s most promising creator-journalists the tools, mentorship, and sustainability strategies to build news organizations that will serve communities for the long term.”

Suzanne Perron, News Partnerships Manager at Google News Initiative, added:

“Canadian content creators are redefining the news landscape. This program will give them the skills and support they need to thrive as digital-first publishers.”

Eligibility: Independent journalists, podcasters, newsletter publishers, small newsrooms, and other digital-first creators. Canadian citizens abroad are also eligible if their work focuses on Canadian stories, communities, or issues of interest to Canadians.

Program Details (FAQ Highlights):

• Cohort size: up to 20 news organizations
• Format: primarily online + final Showcase in Toronto
• Duration: 12 months (Nov 2025–Oct 2026)
• Cost: Free for selected participants
• Requirements: 1–2 hrs/week workshops + 1–2 hrs/month mentorship (first 6 months)
• Stipends: Up to $10,000 upon successful completion and Showcase participation

🗓️ Deadline to apply: October 31, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. EST. The program kicks off in November.

If you’re building a digital-first news platform — or you know someone who is — this could be the catalyst that changes everything.

👉🏾 Apply now at www.cjf-fjc.ca | Questions? Email NextGen@cjf-fjc.ca

Tags: canadian journalism foundation, google news initiative, creator journalists, canadian media, digital-first news, journalism training, podcasting, youtube for journalists, journalism mentorship, sustainable