Knight Foundation backs News Revenue Hub’s Catalyst Subsidy Program

The News Revenue Hub is thrilled to announce a major investment from The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to accelerate growth, sustainability, and collaboration across the local news field.

Over the next two years, Knight’s $1.5 million commitment will power two complementary strategies:

• Core operational and field-building support: Expanding the Hub’s capacity to explore new partnerships that can accelerate learning, growth and sustainability for both newsrooms and infrastructure providers. 
• The Catalyst Subsidy Program: Launching a new fund to provide intensive, subsidized support to 20 high-potential newsrooms, helping them seize growth opportunities and model sustainability for the entire field.

“The ground is shifting under every newsroom right now — from the impact of AI on audience habits to the collapse of traditional advertising and the need for new revenue playbooks,” said Mary Walter-Brown, founder and CEO of the News Revenue Hub. “The question isn’t whether local news can adapt; it’s how quickly and collaboratively we can do it. The Catalyst Subsidy Program gives high-potential publishers the intensive support and shared infrastructure they need to thrive — and to model what the next era of sustainable journalism looks like.”

This fall, the Hub will open applications for the first cohort of Catalyst newsrooms. Up to 10 selected outlets will receive subsidized support to work with the News Revenue Hub for up to two years on projects custom designed to help them grow audience, revenue, and engagement — equipping them with the tools and strategies to thrive in a rapidly changing media landscape.

Scaling sustainability, newsroom by newsroom

For nearly a decade, the News Revenue Hub has helped reshape the local news landscape by proving that community engagement and revenue can — and must — go hand in hand. Since 2016, the Hub has partnered with more than 150 newsrooms, raising over $148 million in audience donations and helping publishers innovate in real time to meet the needs of their communities.

Last year alone, seven Hub-supported outlets each raised over $1 million in donations under $5,000, proving that sustainability is within reach for newsrooms with the right strategy, infrastructure, and guidance. 

Knight Foundation’s investment builds on years of partnership and belief in the Hub’s mission.

“We have a strong track record, and I’m grateful Knight sees that,” Walter-Brown said. “The Hub is uniquely positioned to ensure that the Catalyst Subsidy Program doesn’t just transform these newsrooms — it creates a replicable roadmap for hundreds more to follow.”

Looking ahead

Applications for the first Catalyst Subsidy Program cohort will open in November. Newsrooms ready to take their growth to the next level — and committed to sharing what they learn — are encouraged to apply.