The programme will take place over six months in 2020. It will support mid-level editorial and commercial managers, from ten newsrooms, in developing an editorial vision, integrated product plans and newsroom processes. The focus will be on innovative, audience-centric solutions to help put the organisation on a more sustainable footing. The fully-funded programme will use workshops, online coaching and mentoring to achieve these objectives.

Medium-sized news organisations in the region, that hold active WAN-IFRA membership at the time of application, and have begun a digital transformation, can apply to participate in the programme when the call for applications is published next week. The successful news organisations will be invited to nominate a representative from the editorial team and one from the commercial side of the business, to participate.

"The Newsroom2020 accelerator will enable both WAN-IFRA and Facebook to strengthen digital capabilities and ultimately, the regional news ecosystem," said WAN-IFRA COO Thomas Jacob. “We have put together a programme that will improve both newsroom and business skills, and importantly encourage joined-up innovation.”

The highly experienced consultants, George Brock and Grzegorz “Greg” Piecchota, will run the training modules and provide the online support to participants. Both have impressive credentials as journalists, educators and researchers.

“Facebook is thrilled to bring this opportunity to news organizations across Asia as part of our joint commitment to ensure traditional news outlets can create thriving digital businesses. We are proud to partner with WAN-IFRA to bring the Newsroom Transformation Program 2020 and continue our commitment to support the news publisher community in the Asia Pacific,” said Anjali Kapoor Director of news Partnerships Facebook APAC.