May 22 Agenda

MEETING DESCRIPTION

This session offers a multifaceted exploration of how climate media and journalism is gaining momentum—and what more funders can do to support storytelling around the most defining issue of our time. We’ll dive into the impact of large-scale philanthropic efforts that are fueling existing media channels and raising global awareness, and we’ll spotlight various funder strategies for supporting climate media. We’ll also hear from two documentary filmmaking powerhouses who will share their ecosystem approaches to climate storytelling.

We intend to make more space for small group discussion at tables and balance the onstage programming with shorter, more compact lightning talks sprinkled with a few slightly longer panels. The program will run from 9-3:30 p.m., followed by a reception at 4 p.m., and the Next Challenge Awards Ceremony from 5-6 p.m., in partnership with the Glen Nelson Center and American Public Media Group.

MEETING OBJECTIVES

Media Impact Funders hopes to inspire the following outcomes:

• An increase in the scale of funding for climate media stories
• Support for the creation of more and new climate media stories
• A deeper understanding of diverse distribution platforms and strategies to reach a wider audience base

AGENDA STRUCTURE

Facilitated by: Nina Sachdev, Director of Communications, Media Impact Funders and Kaitlin Yarnall, Chief Storytelling Officer, National Geographic Society 

8:15 a.m.—Breakfast and networking

9 a.m.—Welcome, Introductions, Goal-Setting & Logistics

9:10-9:30 a.m.—A Conversation with Climate Activist Ayana Elizabeth Johnson

Eileen O’Conner, Senior Vice President for Communications, Policy, and Advocacy at the Rockefeller Foundation, will lead an engaging discussion with marine biologist and climate activist Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, who will shed light on the vital role of media philanthropy in driving climate action forward. Ayana will share her insights on which narratives can have the most impact on effectively communicating the urgency of climate action.

9:30-10:30 a.m.—Preserving Editorial Integrity in Climate Journalism

Join Mark Shields, a Senior Communications Officer with the Walton Foundation, and Lisa Gibbs, Vice President of Philanthropic Development for the Associated Press, for an insightful conversation on preserving editorial integrity in philanthropically supported climate journalism. During this session, Mark and Lisa will share their strategies and insights into maintaining journalistic independence and credibility. Funders will learn how Walton and the AP are pioneering best practices and developing guidelines for funders and outlets to uphold the integrity of journalism.

After this presentation, funders will engage in facilitated discussions at their tables. Then, we’ll engage in a feedback session so funders can share what was discussed.

10:30-11 a.m.—Networking Break

11-12 p.m.—A Spotlight on Funder Strategies for Supporting Climate Media

Join Kevin Currey, Program Officer with the Natural Resources and Climate Change program at the Ford Foundation, and Estelle Willie, Director of Health Policy and Communications at the Rockefeller Foundation, for a dynamic conversation about these two consequential funders’ approaches and strategies for supporting climate media. From journalism to storytelling and narrative change to documentaries and supporting social media influencers, we’ll hear how Ford and Rockefeller are supporting multifaceted strategies that are driving awareness and mobilizing communities around climate-related issues. This engaging conversation aims to spark inspiration and foster small-group discussions about your own insights, strategies and ideas for collaboration in addressing the climate crisis through media.

After this presentation, funders will engage in facilitated discussions at their tables. Then, we’ll engage in a feedback session so funders can share what was discussed.

12-1 p.m.—Lunch & Learn: Decoding Climate Communications

Join us for a dynamic lunchtime discussion featuring climate communication experts Anthony Leiserowitz of the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication and Joseph Sciortino from the Schmidt Family Foundation, whose partnership is pushing the needle on climate progress. First, we’ll get an insider’s look at Yale’s groundbreaking Climate Change Communication program and how it’s influencing the way we talk about climate change. We’ll also learn about the game-changing Six Different Americas project and how it’s transforming our understanding of public opinion on climate. And Joseph will highlight the Schmidt Family Foundation’s efforts to fuel effective climate communication through media.

1:15-2:15 p.m.—Understanding Media Impact Through Documentary Projects

Two film ecosystem builders—Jill Tidman, Executive Director of the Redford Center, and Nikki Heyman, Film Officer at Doc Society—will share how they are advancing climate solutions through their support of a diverse and dynamic range of stories and storytellers. Understand the impact their approaches have on raising awareness and inspiring audience action. Let their insights inspire discussions on your own strategies for engaging audiences and creating meaningful impact.

After this presentation, funders will engage in facilitated discussions at their tables. Then, we’ll engage in a feedback session so funders can share what was discussed.

2:15-2:30 p.m.—Break

2:30-3:30 p.m.—Facilitator Review & Synthesis; Next Steps

MEETING DESCRIPTION

Some of the largest funders in journalism have convened to catalyze more funding for news and information. These funders have been working to identify the most valuable opportunities to stimulate financial resources for local news. Throughout the day, we will discuss strategies to collectively solve for sustainability issues in nonprofit media; we’ll get a deeper understanding of revenue-generating opportunities; and funders will have the opportunity to share anything else that’s top of mind.

MEETING OBJECTIVES

Media Impact Funders hopes to inspire the following outcomes:

• Strengthen connections with funder colleagues
• Learn more about large-scale efforts to strengthen local news support strategies
• Advance conversations around sustainability of local news organizations

AGENDA STRUCTURE

Facilitated by:
Kayce Ataiyero, Chief External Affairs Officer, Joyce Foundation

8:15 a.m.—Breakfast and networking

9 a.m.—Welcome, Introductions, Goal-Setting & Logistics

9:15-10:30 a.m.—Press Forward: An update on the effort to galvanize support for local journalism

At last year’s Media Impact Forum, we were introduced to Press Forward, a national movement to strengthen our democracy by revitalizing local news and information, spearheaded by prominent journalism funders in our community. Join Press Forward’s director Dale R. Anglin, and Silvia Rivera, Director of the Local News Program at the MacArthur Foundation, for a comprehensive update on the initiative. Explore both the challenges and the exciting developments, discover opportunities to participate, and get your questions addressed firsthand.

After this presentation, funders will engage in facilitated discussions at their tables. Then, we’ll engage in a feedback session so funders can share what was discussed.

10:30-11 a.m.—Networking Break

11-12:15 p.m.—Nurturing Journalism Sustainability: A Collaborative Exploration for Funders

Join us as we confront the critical challenges facing journalism sustainability head-on. In this session, we’ll define sustainability within the context of news organizations, explore both successful strategies and areas needing improvement, and discuss actionable steps for funders to bridge the gaps. Discover proven methods for empowering local news outlets and securing their long-term viability.

After this presentation, funders will engage in facilitated discussions at their tables. Then, we’ll engage in a feedback session so funders can share what was discussed.

12-1 p.m.—Networking lunch

1:15-2:25 p.m.—Philanthropy and Public Policy: Approaches to Rebuilding Local News

Steve Waldman, Founder and President of the Rebuild Local News Coalition, will provide an update on the various public policy approaches he’s tracking on the state and local levels to subsidize local journalism. Steve will engage the audience in a hands-on discussion about the various ways funders can support these initiatives.

After this presentation, funders will engage in facilitated discussions at their tables. Then, we’ll engage in a feedback session so funders can share what was discussed.

2:25-2:30 p.m.—Next Steps & Close