News Creator Field Guide: Forging New Paths in Journalism - Journalism Courses by Knight Center

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Detalhes do curso

February 18 – March 20, 2026

Language

English

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Modules

5

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  • Instructor: V Spehar

February 18 – March 20, 2026

$99.00

News Creator Field Guide: Forging New Paths in Journalism

Ready to build and grow your independent news operation?

Join the webinar series News Creator Field Guide: Forging New Paths in Journalism, organized by the Knight Center for Journalism in the Americas and Under The Desk News, running February 18 – March 20, 2026.

In five practical sessions, V Spehar, creator of Under The Desk News, will guide participants through launching a news brand, building a newsroom, expanding across multiple platforms, navigating public visibility, and mentoring the next generation of creators.

By the end of this series, you’ll be able to:

  • Understand the evolution of independent news creation and make informed decisions about platforms, production investments, and audience-building
  • Set up your work to protect your assets and support sustainable growth
  • Navigate public visibility responsibly, including digital safety, live events, PR, and managing parasocial relationships
  • Build collaborative newsroom structures that support independence and multiplatform growth
  • Evaluate funding, collaboration, and partnership opportunities, including contracts, compensation, and long-term value
  • Develop a clearer sense of professional trajectory, including managing burnout, mentoring others, and transitioning to leadership

 

Who can enroll:
These webinars are designed for anyone interested in breaking into the news creator industry — including journalists moving to digital-first media spaces and professionals from fields like education, science, economics, or politics who want to launch a news-focused venture.

Join this webinar series to gain practical knowledge, grow your audience, and build a sustainable news operation.

This five-session webinar series is recorded and available afterward if you can’t attend live.

Webinar 1: Getting Started as an Independent News Creator (February 18)
Introduces participants to launching a news operation and reviews the last 20 years of creator-led news.

  • Setting up your business to protect your assets
  • Identifying smart investments in equipment, software, and production support
  • Choosing a platform and defining your unique perspective or tone
  • Building and engaging a base audience

 

Webinar 2: Being a Public Figure 101 (February 25)
Learn to navigate life as a recognizable creator while keeping yourself and your audience safe.

  • Protecting yourself and your family online
  • Planning and executing safe live events
  • Developing cross-platform visibility through PR and promotion
  • Managing relationships with audiences while understanding parasocial dynamics

 

Webinar 3: Building a Newsroom (March 3)
Build a newsroom that lets you stay independent while connecting with others.

  • Building collaborative networks and group chats with other creators
  • Developing subscription or funding models to sustain operations
  • Expanding content across multiple platforms while maintaining consistency
  • Balancing autonomy with teamwork

 

Webinar 4: Funding, Collaborations & Partnerships (March 11)
Learn to evaluate opportunities for paid work, partnerships, and bigger projects.

  • Identifying and vetting potential paid work or partnerships
  • Understanding different types of funding and how to evaluate them
  • Reviewing contracts and assessing compensation and long-term value
  • Leveraging awards, recognition, and accolades strategically

 

Webinar 5: Mentoring the Next Generation (March 20)
Use your experience to support emerging creators while continuing your own growth.

  • Navigating professional growth and the transition to leadership
  • Recognizing and managing burnout, fear, and self-doubt
  • Mentoring and guiding emerging creators effectively
  • Applying lessons learned to sustain long-term growth and influence

Questions? Contact us at journalismcourses@austin.utexas.edu

V Spehar is an award-winning digital journalist, podcaster, and content creator making news more human and accessible. Creator of Under the Desk News, V has built a following of over 4.7 million by delivering current events with clarity, empathy, and wit. They tackle topics from Gen Z voter engagement to gender-affirming care, and their reporting has included interviews with Presidents Biden and Obama, Vice President Harris, and key cabinet members.

V has covered major political and cultural moments, including the 2024 Democratic National Convention and the Paris Olympics for TikTok, and contributed to outlets such as The Washington Post, The L.A. Times, and NBC News. Recognized with a Special Achievement Webby Award, a Shorty Award for News Creator of the Year, and as one of TIME100’s Most Influential Digital Voices of 2025, V is a sought-after speaker on authenticity, resilience, and civic engagement. They are currently working on their debut book with Zando Publishing, coming early 2026.

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