BUSINESS STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE NEWSROOMS
Build Resilient Strategies for Thriving, Impactful Newsrooms
Strong journalism alone doesn’t sustain a newsroom; it requires a reimagined business strategy. Learn why certain revenue models work while others fail and how to think critically about advertising, subscriptions, memberships, and philanthropic funding as essential tools for keeping strong reporting alive. By the end of this course, you’ll be better prepared to tackle the new economic realities threatening newsrooms today.
At a Glance
- Modality: Online with weekly real-time meetings
- Timeframe to Complete: Six weeks
- Price: $2,000 (or purchase the whole program of 6 courses for $10,000)
- Awarded Upon Completion: Digital certificate for sharing on LinkedIn
Spring 2026 Registration
Course Dates: January 13, 2026-February 24, 2026
Weekly Zoom Meetings:
Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m. CT
Students will complete readings and assignments in advance of each week’s live Zoom meeting.
Live class dates: 1/20, 1/27, 2/3, 2/10, 2/17 and 2/24.
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Course Outcomes
The curriculum in this course is focused on:
- Understanding revenue models for digital, print, and broadcast news.
- Analyzing cost structures and identify opportunities for financial sustainability.
- Developing strategic plans aligned with market realities and organizational goals.
- Navigating advertising, subscriptions, membership, and philanthropic support streams.
Who Should Enroll
This course was designed for:
- Early-career newsroom managers looking to build confidence and sharpen their leadership, strategy, and innovation skills.
- Professionals in non-editorial roles at media organizations who want a deeper understanding of newsroom operations and journalistic practices.
- Aspiring media entrepreneurs preparing to launch their own journalism ventures or independent platforms.
Meet the Instructor: Emily Dresslar
Emily Dresslar currently serves as Sr. Advisor, Partnerships and Philanthropy, for The Assembly, a news network in North Carolina. She is the former Director of the RevLab at The Texas Tribune and held positions as Head of Business Operations for The Compass Experiment at McClatchy, and Head of Strategic Partnerships for Calkins Digital.
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Contact Us
Do you have a question about this course?
Email Us: newsroom-leadership@austin.utexas.edu