American Public Media Group Announces the 2023 Next Challenge for Media & Journalism
ST. PAUL, Minn., Jan.9, 2023 – Glen Nelson Center at American Public Media Group (APMG) launched the second annual Next Challenge for Media and Journalism. The Next Challenge is a national startup competition seeking groundbreaking for-profit and nonprofit startups that will reinvent media in the coming decade.
APMG is hosting this year’s competition in partnership with the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Thomson Reuters, Google News Initiative and YouTube. AT&T Foundation provided grant support for this program. Public media partners include Minnesota Public Radio, WAMU, KERA, WHYY, and KPCC.
Entries are now open on thenextchallenge.com and will be accepted through Feb. 17.
“The Next Challenge is an unparalleled opportunity to see the future of media,” said Jeff Freeland Nelson, Executive Director of Glen Nelson Center. "It is inspiring to see the solutions these startups present to the real challenges confronting the media industry.”
This year, the competition will have even more opportunities for prizes and money. The monetary prizes, which total up to $130,000, will be awarded in three divisions:
Future of News Division supported by Knight Foundation. Awarded to a startup pioneering new ways to report the news and provide communities with fact-based insight, analysis, and information.
Top Creator Division supported by Google News Initiative and YouTube. Awarded to a creator-founded startup producing high-quality news, cultural, or educational content primarily for social media.
Power Platform Division supported by Thomson Reuters. Awarded to a technology startup developing powerful ways for media content to be shared across the country and around the globe.
Additionally, one division winner will be awarded the Grand Prize.
The Next Challenge is committed to promoting racial and gender equity in media, embracing the demographic shift occurring in our communities and seeking startups with diverse teams. For the 2022 competition, 84% of all participants identified as Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), LGBTQ+, and/or female/non-binary.
With over five months that include numerous activities such as mentorships and connections with strategic partners, teams will get the chance to hone their pitch and strengthen their business plan. The Next Challenge will conclude with a national showcase event in May 2023.
For more information and to apply visit thenextchallenge.com.
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About the Glen Nelson Center
Launched in 2018, Glen Nelson Center at American Public Media Group identifies, elevates, and invests in groundbreaking media ventures led by a diverse group of visionary founders. Connecting startup founders and teams with APMG staff, advisors, and board members informs strategic planning, supports long-term revenue and audience goals and strengthens the APMG innovation culture. For more information, visit GlenNelson.org.
About American Public Media Group
American Public Media Group (APMG) is the largest station-based public radio organization in the U.S., combining multi-regional station operations, national programming creation and distribution and innovative digital, social and mobile services in one organization. APMG’s operations include Minnesota Public Radio® (MPR®), a 46-station network serving nearly all of Minnesota and parts of surrounding states. MPR and its three regional services –MPR News, YourClassical MPR and The Current –produce programming for radio, digital and live audiences. APMG is one of the largest producers and distributors of public radio programming in the world and reaches over 17 million listeners with nearly 1,000 public radio stations and over 400 commercial stations nationwide each week. APMG’s national portfolio includes BBC World Service, Marketplace®, APM Studios, and the leading classical music programming in the nation, YourClassical. APMG also includes Southern California Public Radio, a four-station network serving Los Angeles, Orange County, Coachella Valley, and the Inland Empire. For more information – or to become a member and support APMG efforts to reimagine the future of public radio, visit americanpublicmediagroup.org.