$10.5M Grant to Revitalize News Industry through ASU’s Knight Center for the Future of News

Upon its official launch July 1, the Knight Center will serve as a national hub for research, experimentation and practical solutions to the most urgent challenges in journalism. By combining journalistic expertise and innovative problem solving strategies, the Knight Center will help local and regional outlets develop innovative business models, restore trust in media and develop new ways of storytelling and newsgathering.

ASU President Michael Crow believes the Knight Center is crucial for maintaining the integrity of journalism and driving it forward.

“ASU tackles society’s pressing challenges, and collaborating with Knight Foundation to advance a new era of exceptional journalism is imperative to the health of our democracy,” Crow said. “The Cronkite School has built a legacy of leadership and excellence in journalism, and the Knight Center for the Future of News will draw from that base to develop new approaches for the essential exchange of information that drives our world forward.”

With ASU’s mix of hands-on experts from the nonprofit organization NEWSWELL and a strong focus on interdisciplinary research, the Cronkite School is the perfect place to kick off thoughtful change in the news world. The Knight Center will be focused on collaborating, making a real difference and driving inclusive innovation in order to empower communities through access to trusted, high-quality news.

Cronkite School Dean Battinto Batts said the Knight Center will play a key role in accelerating the needed innovation and transformation during a transitional time in journalism.

“As just one example, we’re seeing single-person operations launching their own podcasts, newsletters or blogs, where they’re building their own audience,” Batts said. “I’d say that’s healthy for journalism and a more democratized version of journalism because we have many more voices.”

The Knight Center for the Future of News ties into the ASU’s existing Changing Futures campaign by empowering bold leaders to solve challenges and shape the future. Knight Foundation’s contribution will support its overarching goal of promoting journalistic excellence while bolstering community success.

“Local news is rapidly evolving, with innovative business models emerging across the country,” said Maribel Pérez Wadsworth, president and CEO of Knight Foundation. “ASU and the Cronkite School have long been leaders in research and collaboration in this space, making them an ideal partner to help shape the future of the industry and to host this hub for information, connection and shared insight.”

The Knight Center will consist of three labs and a central innovation hub:

• Journalism, Community and Democracy Lab — addressing declining public trust in news and developing strategies to rebuild credibility.

• Sustainability Lab — exploring revenue models to ensure the long-term financial viability of news organizations.
• Innovation in Reporting and Storytelling Lab — experimenting with emerging storytelling and information-gathering tools, including artificial intelligence, to engage new, younger and broader audiences.
• The Information Hub — connecting thought leaders, gathering insights and disseminating best practices across the industry.

Julia Wallace, Frank Russell Chair in the Business of Journalism, will serve as the Knight Center’s launch director.

“There’s so much out there about what’s broken in the media,” Wallace said. “What we’d like to do is focus on what’s right, what’s working and how can we make innovation happen even faster. That’s really our mission.”

A national search for an executive director is underway for the Knight Center, which will be located in new space at the Arizona Center in downtown Phoenix.