The Knight x LMA BloomLab
Technology is a roadblock for many local media companies as they work to transform to a digital future. The Knight x LMA BloomLab will tackle that obstacle head-on during a three-year immersive experience with 26 Black-owned local media outlets, with initial funding of $3.2 million from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. The publications will receive technology grants of $50,000, with additional funding expected to increase those amounts.
The Knight x LMA BloomLab is an extension of LMA’s Digital Transformation Lab for Black publishers that launched in early 2019. That lab helped drive digital revenue and audience growth, along with new product launches such as newsletters, for five Black publishers.
The new Lab will include three full-time dedicated staff members who will work with the publishers on an everyday basis. The entire Local Media Association/Local Media Foundation team will also be involved in the BloomLab as subject-matter experts in areas such as reader revenue, branded content, philanthropic funding and more.
The Lab will start with the 10 publishers that make up Word In Black, including The Atlanta Voice, New York Amsterdam News, Houston Defender, Washington Informer, St. Louis American, AFRO News, Seattle Medium, Sacramento Observer, Michigan Chronicle and Dallas Weekly.
A third cohort will be announced in spring of 2023. All Black-owned local media outlets are encouraged to apply. To stay up-to-date on the Lab and application process, please sign up here: