LION Publishers

LION Publishers' Sustainability Audits and Funding Program

LION Publishers offers a comprehensive Sustainability Audits and Funding program designed to assess the operational health of news businesses. This program provides actionable recommendations to enhance sustainability and offers up to $20,000 in funding to participants who implement at least two recommendations from their audit report. Since its inception, nearly 200 publications have undergone these audits, with plans to audit another 200 by the end of 2024. This initiative is a cornerstone of LION's commitment to fostering a resilient and financially viable independent news ecosystem.

LION Publishers' News Entrepreneur Academy

The News Entrepreneur Academy is a pivotal resource offered by LION Publishers to support news businesses in their journey towards sustainability. This academy provides a blend of full guided courses, shorter lessons on specific topics, and a resource library replete with downloadable tools and templates. Members gain access to exclusive training and resources, which equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in the competitive news landscape. The academy's offerings are tailored to help businesses progress through LION's maturity model, from the Preparation stage to the Growing stage.

LION Publishers' News Entrepreneur Community

LION Publishers fosters a collaborative environment through its News Entrepreneur Community on Slack. This vibrant community serves as a hub for members to share resources, templates, advice, and lessons learned. It facilitates peer-to-peer learning and support, enabling publishers to draw on collective experience to solve common challenges. By fostering such a supportive network, LION helps independent news publishers enhance their operational resilience and journalistic impact.

LION Publishers' Strategic Growth Plan

LION Publishers has laid out a five-year strategic growth plan with the ambitious goal of moving 100 members to the 'Growing' stage of sustainability. This plan underscores LION's long-term commitment to strengthening the independent news sector. It involves targeted initiatives, including the Sustainability Audits and direct funding, to provide members with the necessary resources and support. By focusing on sustainable growth, LION aims to ensure that its members can continue to deliver high-quality journalism while maintaining financial health and operational resilience.

LION Publishers' Project Oasis

Project Oasis is an initiative by LION Publishers aimed at mapping and showcasing locally focused digital news publications across the U.S. and Canada. This project highlights the diversity and growth of the independent news sector and serves as a valuable resource for understanding the landscape of local journalism. By bringing visibility to these publications, Project Oasis supports the broader mission of LION to enhance the sustainability and impact of independent news businesses. It offers insights into best practices and successful models, thereby fostering a more informed and connected community of local news providers.