Partnership Opportunity · 2026–2027
Sponsor Near + Now
Invest in the journalists who keep communities informed.
When public media journalists have stronger capabilities, they're better equipped to serve the communities that depend on them for accountability journalism, in-depth reporting, and sustained coverage of local issues. Your sponsorship makes accessible, regional professional development possible.
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Four cities. Four topics. One mission: make professional development accessible.
Why Near + Now Matters
Public media journalism is facing a perfect storm: a new generation of diverse journalists is entering the field exactly when federal funding cuts have eliminated the professional development resources they need to succeed. 70% of our member stations cite travel budget as their primary barrier to training—many have frozen budgets at zero. Without accessible skill-building, these journalists won't stay in the field, and the communities that depend on them—news deserts, rural areas, and underserved markets—will lose the reporters who understand them best.
Near + Now dramatically reduces those barriers. Instead of asking journalists to travel across the country for a multi-day conference, we're bringing workforce development to four hub cities through one-day intensive events. For under $150, journalists can attend sessions on emerging technologies and AI, newsroom leadership and sustainability, multiplatform storytelling, or community-centered journalism. See full event details.
Your investment strengthens the entire infrastructure of local journalism. When public media journalists have stronger capabilities, they're better equipped to serve the communities that depend on them for accountability journalism, in-depth reporting, and sustained coverage of local issues.
Your Investment
Total Program Budget: ~$120,000 across all four events
What Sponsorship Dollars Fund:
- Event Infrastructure — Venue rental for Indianapolis event, professional AV support across all events, comprehensive catering
- Access & Equity — Scholarship pool for journalists from stations with frozen budgets, reduced registration rates for small market stations, support for emerging journalists
- Content Excellence — Expert facilitators, travel support for specialized expertise, curriculum development, post-event resources
- Sustained Impact — Virtual learning components, regional peer networks, accountability partnerships, outcome measurement
Sponsorship Need: $80,000 across corporate partners, foundations, and station partnerships to fully fund the four-event series.
Partnership Update: Google News Initiative is providing venue partnership for three of our four events (NYC, Austin, San Francisco), allowing more sponsorship dollars to flow directly to participant access and content excellence.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Recognition & Visibility
- Premier logo placement on all marketing materials (website, emails, social media) for full 2026-2027 series
- Speaking opportunity: 5-minute welcome remarks at one regional event of your choice
- "Founding Partner" designation in all event communications
- Featured partner spotlight in PMJA newsletter (2,500+ subscribers)
- Logo on post-event impact report shared with funders and stakeholders
Impact & Stewardship
- Quarterly updates on program progress and outcomes
- First access to sponsorship opportunities for future events
- Invitation to virtual debrief with PMJA leadership on program learnings
Registration & Access
- 8 complimentary registrations across the series (2 per event)
Recognition & Visibility
- Title sponsor designation: "[City] Near + Now presented by [Your Organization]"
- Premier logo placement on all event materials (registration page, pre-event emails, day-of signage)
- Speaking opportunity: 3-minute opening remarks
- Logo on post-event resources and implementation guides
- Recognition in PMJA newsletter event recap
Impact & Stewardship
- Post-event impact report for your sponsored location
- Option to provide branded resource materials to participants
Registration & Access
- 4 complimentary registrations to your sponsored event
Choose Your Focus
- Scholarship Fund — "Scholarships supported by [Your Organization]" enables 15-20 journalists from small stations to attend
- Expert Speaker Fund — "Session leaders supported by [Your Organization]" brings specialized expertise to each region
- Sustained Learning Program — "Virtual learning supported by [Your Organization]" extends access beyond in-person attendance
Recognition & Impact
- Logo and recognition tied to your chosen program element across all events
- Featured in PMJA communications highlighting your specific impact area
- Outcomes report specific to your funded area
Registration & Access
- 3 complimentary registrations to any event in the series
Choose Your Element
- Opening Session Sponsor — Your organization welcomed at the start of the day
- Networking Lunch Sponsor — Logo on tables, opportunity to provide promotional materials for attendees
- Closing Session Sponsor — Recognition during closing session where participants create implementation plans
Recognition
- Prominent logo and verbal recognition during your sponsored element
- Logo on event signage and registration materials
- Social media recognition
Registration & Access
- 2 complimentary registrations to your sponsored event
Recognition
- Logo on event materials for your local event
- Recognition as community supporter
- Opportunity to meet participants during networking lunch
- Logo on local event signage
- Post-event summary of regional participation and impact
Registration & Access
- 2 complimentary registrations to your local event
À La Carte Sponsorships
Perfect for organizations seeking targeted visibility or wanting to support specific event elements. Pricing is per event.
Let's Partner Together
We welcome conversations about partnerships that align with your organization's specific goals and values. Let's explore how we can create meaningful impact together.
Get in Touchconference@pmja.org
PMJA Near + Now sponsors
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Corporation for Public Broadcasting
401 9th St NW
Washington, DC 20004Series funding partner
