Next Challenge for Media & Journalism – United States

The 12-week challenge promotes groundbreaking ideas and trailblazing startups that will reinvent journalism and media over the coming decade.

Seven prizes totaling $150,000 will be awarded to early-stage media startups. The Next Challenge Grand Prize winner will receive a grant of up to $60,000.

Up to $30,000 awarded to a local or regional news startup that excels at meeting the information needs of the community it serves or is pioneering a sustainable new business model for local journalism.

In addition to monetary prizes, all eligible applicants will have the opportunity to hone their pitch and receive feedback on their application from competition judges. Up to 50 Division Finalists will be paired with mentors with relevant startup, business and/or industry experience who will help them refine their pitch and business plan to prepare for the finalist rounds.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is creating new opportunities for media and journalism, promising to revolutionize how content is gathered, produced, and disseminated. AI also threatens the media business model and erodes trust by making it difficult for audiences to know what is real and what is not.

Now is a time to invest in innovation, identify new revenue sources, and recognize companies that are succeeding amid change. The 2024 Next Challenge aims to elevate the work of hundreds of media startups across the United States and grant $150,000 to new companies and organizations representing a thriving future for media and journalism in the U.S.

Award Divisions

• Startups can apply in one (and only one) of three divisions:
  • Future of Local Journalism Award – Up to $30,000 awarded to a local or regional news startup that excels at meeting the information needs of the community it serves or is pioneering a sustainable new business model for local journalism.
  • NewsTech Award – Up to $30,000 awarded to a startup supporting the productivity and sustainability of newsrooms by providing an essential service using artificial intelligence (AI) and/or other technology.
  • Power Platform Award – Up to $30,000 awarded to a technology startup developing powerful ways to share media content across the country and around the globe.
  • An additional Grand Prize Award of up to $30,000 will be given to a Division Winner selected by the Grand Prize Jury.
  • Additional awards will be given to outstanding Division Finalists, including:
  • Public Choice Award – Up to $10,000 awarded to the most compelling finalist as voted on by the public.
  • Vision Award – Up to $10,000 awarded to an innovative finalist with a bold vision to reinvent media and journalism.
  • Trust in News Award – Up to $10,000 awarded to a finalist for building trust in the media by exposing disinformation and deep fakes.

Why should I apply to the Next Challenge?

• The Next Challenge is an unparalleled opportunity for your media startup to connect with industry leaders and move your venture forward. Benefits of participating in the Next Challenge include:
  • The opportunity to strengthen your pitch
  • Exposure to potential partners and investors
  • Finalist recognition and promotional opportunities throughout the competition
  • Industry-specific mentors and training events for division finalists
  • Non-dilutive cash prizes
  • Grand prize awarded to the most promising media venture

Eligibility Criteria

• Legally incorporated for-profit and non-profit media startups based in the United States of America and U.S. Territories. A venture is considered U.S.-based if it is legally incorporated in the U.S. and if the majority of employees and/or contractors live in the United States.
• Ventures that have earned less than US$1,000,000 (gross revenue including philanthropic support) in the twelve months ending December 31, 2023. This does not include investment dollars.
• Ventures that have made progress against their concept (e.g., a working prototype, minimum viable product.)
• Previous Next Challenge Division Award winners and companies where American Public Media Group (APMG) has an ownership stake are not eligible to apply. Refer to the official rules for detailed eligibility requirements.

For more information, visit Glen Nelson Center.