Knight Foundation will present LION’s 2024 Independent News Sustainability Summit as a Platinum Sponsor

We’re pleased to announce that John S. and James L. Knight Foundation will be the Presenting Sponsor of the 2024 Independent News Sustainability Summit, which will be hosted by LION Publishers in Chicago this fall. Knight’s sponsorship will support the Summit’s programming, as well as LION Awards cash prizes and travel scholarships for members. 

“This Summit is the must-attend event for everyone who wants to engage in thoughtful, smart conversations about the sustainability of local and independent news,” said Duc Luu, director of Sustainability Initiatives at Knight Foundation’s Journalism program. “Knight is proud to support the important work LION has done to push forward our understanding of what it means to be a sustainable news organization, and we look forward to continuing those conversations in Chicago this fall.”

Additionally, LION is collaborating with the American Journalism Project, Online News Association, and Institute for Nonprofit News as programming partners. These organizations have expertise that will enhance LION’s programming approach in service of providing the most practical, hands-on sessions for LION members and other conference attendees. 

“These partners have an incredible depth and breadth of experience with the news entrepreneurial landscape,” said Lisa Heyamoto, LION’s associate director of member education. “What a delight to be able to leverage that knowledge in service of Summit attendees.”

From our partners:

“The future of local news requires building resiliency — and to drive resiliency, it’s essential to accelerate learning across the field. We’re thrilled to partner with LION on the Summit to do just this.”

Sarabeth Berman, American Journalism Project

“Nonprofit newsrooms need to generate revenue and cover expenses just like any other news organization. INN looks forward to a strong partnership to build out the Independent News Sustainability Summit for our members and for independent newsrooms across the country.”

Karen Rundlet, Institute for Nonprofit News

“Collaboration across journalism-support groups allows us all to multiply our impact and offer more resources across the industry. We are thrilled to work with LION to bring in ONA’s programming on leadership and staff development.”

LaSharah Bunting , Online News Association

We’re also grateful to our host partner and LION member Block Club Chicago, who will support the event with their local expertise.

LION is also appreciative of these sponsors who have signed on to support this event for Independent News Publishers:

• Carol Oppenheim and Jerome S Lamet Charitable Fund as a Gold Sponsor
• The Reynolds Journalism Institute as a Bronze Sponsor
• The Google News Initiative as a Bronze Sponsor
• Indiegraf as a Bronze Sponsor
• BlueLena as a Community Sponsor

Learn more about our sponsors, and email [email protected] to learn how you can support the Summit.