Knight Center for the Future of News
Move fast, make a difference.
Journalism is at an inflection point. Artificial intelligence is a present force, reshaping every aspect of society. Trust is at a historic low. Threats to funding and independence are increasing. The time to respond is now. If we hesitate, we risk irrelevance. If we act with courage and clarity, we will make a difference.
The Knight Center for the Future of News at Arizona State University's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication exists to do just that. With the support of a visionary $10.5 million investment from Knight Foundation and driven by ASU's innovation ethos, we are boldly accelerating journalism's transformation.
The Knight Center for the Future of News is anchored by three dynamic labs and an information hub that connects thought leaders, gathers insights and disseminates innovation. It will also provide training, support, tools and actionable intelligence to help others adapt and lead.
The Knight Center for the Future of News and NEWSWELL will convene more than 100 thought leaders in journalism, technology and business in Phoenix Jan. 6-8, 2026, for the inaugural invite-only National Journalism + AI Accelerator.
Over three days, participants will:
– Envision how AI will impact the future of news and information
– Explore how AI will support and sustain trusted news in the future
– Collaborate with pioneers in AI research and innovation across disciplines
– Build scenarios and strategies to guide journalism through a rapidly changing landscape
This isn’t your typical conference — it’s a hands-on, future-focused gathering of the people who care deeply about trustworthy journalism during a time of rapid change.
Attendance is by nomination only and closes on Nov. 10, at 9 a.m. Pacific Time.
If you’re building the future of news — or know someone who is, we invite you to learn more and nominate here: National Journalism + AI Accelerator.
In the news
Confronting the Future of Local News: 2025 Report
Legendary journalist, Len Downie, under whose leadership the The Washington Post earned 25 Pulitzer Prizes, offers a powerful examination of the state of local journalism in Confronting the Future of Local News. Downie unpacks the urgent challenges facing local media and emerging innovations.
Our core initiatives
What we stand for
Through rapid prototyping, iterative design, and real-world testing, we speed innovation—not in isolation, but in community.
Every project we undertake aims for real-world impact: restoring trust, rebuilding local media, engaging communities and sustaining independent journalism.
We work with technologists and others to create AI-driven solutions for sustainable business models, community engagement and powerful new forms of storytelling.
The audience comes first in all we do. We convene communities, media practitioners, technologists, scholars and students to form an ambitious and innovative coalition.
We share every validated idea, while providing training and support.
The future is here.
The Cronkite School is proud to announce the Knight Center for the Future of News, launched to boldly transform journalism today. Learn more about our launch!