The World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) has announced the launch of its Future Audiences Initiative, a three-pillared global programme designed not only for established news organisations but equally for independent news creators, digital-native publishers, and emerging media voices who today lack access to professional networks and representation.
The initiative recognises that the future of journalism will be shaped by both legacy newsrooms and a new generation of creators experimenting with storytelling, platforms, formats, and novel ways to engage audiences. Its goal is to bring these worlds closer together through shared learning, collaboration, and innovation.
“Across the spectrum – from established newsrooms to independent creators – we’re seeing shared challenges in monetisation, audience engagement, and trust,” said Thomas Jacob, chief operating officer of WAN-IFRA. “The Future Audiences Initiative is designed to bring these communities together to experiment, learn, and grow – fostering practical collaboration and innovation across the global news ecosystem.”
At the heart of this initiative is the News Creator Exchange (NCX), a supportive professional community for independent news creators, digital-first media startups, and video-led journalists from traditional WAN-IFRA member newsrooms.
United by a shared vision to strengthen journalism and storytelling on social platforms and reach wider audiences, NCX aims to build bridges between the creator ecosystem and established news media, enabling mutual learning and co-creation.
‘Yoof’ led
NCX will be led by Pierre Caulliez, 23, a Gen Z media consultant and founder of Yoof, an agency dedicated to bridging generational gaps in news delivery and consumption.
The Exchange will offer tools, training and meetups that bring together independent news creators and established newsrooms to collaborate, share knowledge, and grow professionally. An advisory board of top creators and industry experts will guide its programming and development.
“There’s a new generation of creators and journalists pioneering new forms of news, from short-form storytelling to community-first reporting,” said Caulliez. “With the News Creator Exchange, we want to recognise their fresh approaches to journalism and connect creators with established newsrooms – to learn from their experience while also welcoming them to a network to share audience growth and revenue strategies.”
To recognise the work of rising news organisations and news creators regionally and globally, WAN-IFRA has added a Best Emerging News Providers category to its annual Digital Media Awards.
Two additional pillars
Beyond NCX, the Future Audiences Initiative will also focus on two additional pillars:
The Future of Trust: Programming that promotes media literacy, addresses news avoidance, and tackles disinformation to strengthen audience trust in journalism.
Future Audiences Training and Advisory: Regional and global workshops helping publishers adopt audience-first strategies, building media brands, retention, mobile-first design, audio, and newsletters.
The initiative will roll out globally in 2026, with pilot activities beginning early in the year.
Individuals and organisations interested in following the initiative or joining the first cohort, whether as creators, newsroom partners, or mentors, are invited to express their interest here.
For more information, contact: Kevin Anderson, Director, Digital Revenue Network, WAN-IFRA, kevin.Anderson@wan-ifra.org
This story was first published by WAN-Ifra.
