Deadline: 15-Aug-2025
Independent media outlets in Brazil and Colombia are invited to apply for a new programme designed to build long-term resilience in journalism amid economic and technological challenges. The initiative, led by Thomson Media, is called the Resilience Incubator and runs for three months, offering mentorship, strategic guidance, and practical tools.
The programme supports media outlets in growing their audiences, diversifying revenue, and developing sustainable business models. It also focuses on helping media reconnect with disillusioned or disconnected communities, including diaspora audiences, while operating in difficult environments.
Media managers participating in the programme will receive training in data-driven decision-making. This includes access to real-time audience analytics dashboards, mentoring in editorial workflows and business strategy, and guidance on using automation and AI ethically to boost efficiency. The programme also addresses digital security and crisis planning, with a strong emphasis on innovation.
In Brazil, the programme offers integrated audience dashboards, strategic business planning support, tailored newsroom mentoring on topics like AI and contingency planning, and access to further opportunities, including the Strategic Adaptability Support programme and a competitive innovation grant of up to €20,000.
For Colombian participants, the programme includes audience analysis dashboards customized to the newsroom, business planning guidance, editorial mentoring, and eligibility for follow-up support and innovation funding, also up to €20,000, based on performance during the incubator.
Eligible applicants in Brazil must be media outlets registered for at least three years, committed to independent journalism, open to in-depth evaluation of their audience and revenue strategies, and ready to test new business models. They must also have at least five full-time staff members to implement growth plans.
Colombian applicants must also be registered media outlets with at least three years of experience, committed to public-interest journalism, open to strategic evaluation and innovation, and equipped with a team of at least five full-time members.
Selection will be based on timely and complete applications, adherence to eligibility criteria, and quality indicators such as editorial independence, leadership, motivation, audience focus, and long-term sustainability. A due diligence process, including a self-declaration checklist, will be conducted. All applicants will receive written feedback on their application status by September 15, 2025.
For more information, visit Thomson Foundation.