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Freedom Media Innovation Lab
Empowering Journalists to
Become Media Entrepreneurs
We are helping current and former Voice of America (VOA) and U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) journalists launch entrepreneurial, mission‑driven media ventures.
In the next six months, the Freedom Media Innovation Lab will provide training, mentorship, and startup funding to selected journalists creating fact-based, English-language and non-English-language media businesses. The program aims to create more sustainable, credible media outlets that advance freedom of the press in places where democratic values are under threat.
four thursdayS, 5-8 pm et
July 02-23, 2026
American university's campus
Co-Sponsored by the Veloric Center for Entrepreneurship and American University's School of Communication.
Join Kogod for an AI Masterclass!
What to Expect:
March 27: Applications open
April 22: Application deadline (11:59 pm ET)
April 23–May 10: Application review and shortlisting
May 11–May 18: Optional interviews / follow-up questions with finalists
May 20: Applicants notified
May 21–June 10: Onboarding
Thursday, July 2, 5–8 p.m. ET: Session 1
Thursday, July 9, 5–8 p.m. ET: Session 2
Thursday, July 16, 5–8 p.m. ET: Session 3
Thursday, July 23, 5–8 p.m. ET: Session 4
Hands‑on professional development led by American University faculty on startup strategy, financial modeling, AI tools for journalism, and media branding.
Participants pitch their ventures for a share of a seed fund, judged by leaders across media, business, and investment sectors.
Winning teams receive continued mentorship, workspace, technical resources, and investor connections through AU’s Veloric Center incubator and School of Communication studios.