ST. PETERSBURG, Florida (October 27, 2026) — In an era where the news media landscape is rapidly evolving and the demand for authentic, diverse perspectives has never been greater, The Poynter Institute has officially announced the selection of 16 journalists for its 2026 "Power of Diverse Voices" workshop. This year’s cohort is particularly significant, as it marks the 10th anniversary of the intensive four-day program—a cornerstone of professional development designed to empower journalists of color to sharpen their opinion-writing skills, refine their unique voices, and challenge the status quo of public discourse. The selected participants, representing a cross-section of the nation’s most vital newsrooms—including ProPublica, Minnesota Public Radio, Salon, Block Club Chicago, and WUNC News—bring with them a vast array of expertise. Their professional backgrounds span the gamut of modern journalism, from hard-hitting investigative reporting and data-driven analysis to audience engagement, audio storytelling, sports coverage, and hyper-local community reporting. The Core Mission: Crafting Arguments That Resonate The "Power of Diverse Voices" workshop is far more than a traditional seminar. Located at Poynter’s headquarters in St. Petersburg, Florida, the program offers an immersive environment where participants undergo a rigorous schedule of hands-on instruction, dedicated silent writing blocks, intimate small-group critiques, and high-level one-on-one coaching. The primary objective is simple yet profound: to instill in journalists the confidence to lean into their lived experiences. In an industry that has historically prioritized "objectivity" at the expense of cultural nuance, this workshop encourages writers to flip the script. “The hardest part of writing is figuring out what your story is truly about,” says Tom Huang, longtime Poynter adjunct faculty member and assistant managing editor for journalism initiatives at The Dallas Morning News. Huang, who has been instrumental in shaping the program’s curriculum, emphasizes that for many journalists of color, the personal is political. “What you thought was a disadvantage growing up has created your superpower,” he tells his students. “Write what you are most scared of.” Chronology of a Decade-Long Evolution The program’s journey over the last ten years mirrors the changing face of American journalism. When it was founded, the workshop was conceptualized as a technical exercise in opinion writing. However, as the media industry grappled with shifts in demographics, social movements, and the rise of digital platforms, the program matured into something far more robust. 2016–2018: The Foundational Years. The program began with a focus on core craft: structure, argument, and clarity. It sought to provide a seat at the table for writers who were frequently sidelined in op-ed pages. 2019–2022: The Shift Toward Identity. As the industry faced reckoning regarding systemic inequality, the workshop curriculum began to lean heavily into the intersectionality of race, ethnicity, gender, and sexual orientation. The classroom discussions became deeper, focusing on how personal identity informs one’s editorial perspective. 2023–2026: Community Building and Sustainability. In its current iteration, the program has evolved to emphasize long-term mentorship. The "Power of Diverse Voices" is no longer just a four-day event; it is a permanent network. Alumni now connect through private digital forums, WhatsApp groups, and regional gatherings, creating a professional support system that sustains them long after they leave St. Petersburg. The Architect of Voices: Meet the Faculty The program’s success is anchored by a faculty composed of industry titans who are as committed to teaching as they are to their own reporting. Tom Huang: A central pillar of the workshop, Huang brings his expertise in newsroom management and storytelling to help writers find the emotional core of their work. Eric Deggans: As the Knight Professor of Journalism and Media Ethics at Washington and Lee University and a renowned media critic, Deggans provides critical insights into how media narratives are constructed and how to dismantle harmful tropes. Fernanda Santos: Editorial director at The 19th News, Santos offers a unique perspective on gender, politics, and the importance of inclusive reporting in a polarized political climate. Aisha Sultan: A columnist at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Sultan brings a wealth of experience in domestic and social issues, teaching participants how to connect personal family dynamics to broader societal trends. Breaking Barriers: The Changing Nature of Discussion One of the most notable trends observed by the faculty over the last decade is the changing demographic and thematic focus of the participants. Younger cohorts are increasingly comfortable navigating complex social identities. They are no longer asking for permission to bring their full selves into their writing; they are demanding it. "I originally thought the seminar would be focused on the craft of writing, and it is," Huang notes. "But to my surprise, it’s also become a safe space where we can build a community." This shift has resulted in a more diverse range of topics being covered, with essays tackling the intersection of climate change and racial justice, the mental health of marginalized communities, and the complexities of modern identity in a post-pandemic world. Institutional Support and Future Sustainability The longevity of the program is secured by a unique financial structure. The workshop is funded through an endowment originally established by the Association of Opinion Journalists. Following the merger of that organization with the News Leaders Association—and the subsequent cessation of operations for both—The Poynter Institute stepped in to steward the endowment. This move ensures that the "Power of Diverse Voices" will continue to serve as a beacon for journalists for years to come. Implications for the Future of Journalism The impact of this program is not merely theoretical; it is measurable. Graduates of the "Power of Diverse Voices" have gone on to publish books, secure major investigative reporting awards, and ascend to leadership roles within their news organizations. By fostering a cohort of writers who are confident in their perspectives, Poynter is effectively shifting the editorial priorities of the American press. When diverse voices occupy the opinion pages and the editorial boards, the topics that define the national conversation change. Issues that were once considered "niche" become central to the public discourse, and the industry as a whole becomes more representative of the citizenry it serves. Conclusion: Why It Matters As the media landscape faces crises of trust and financial instability, the role of the individual storyteller becomes more critical than ever. The Poynter Institute’s "Power of Diverse Voices" provides the tools, the network, and the courage required for journalists of color to navigate these challenges. By empowering these 16 journalists—and the hundreds who have come before them—to "write what they are most scared of," Poynter is not just training writers; it is cultivating the next generation of industry leaders who will determine the future of American journalism. As they gather in St. Petersburg this year, they do so not just as individuals, but as part of a 10-year legacy of excellence, resilience, and advocacy for a more inclusive, transparent, and accurate information ecosystem. Media Contact Jennifer Orsi Vice President, Publishing and Local News Initiatives, The Poynter Institute [email protected] About The Poynter Institute The Poynter Institute is a global nonprofit dedicated to the advancement of journalism and the preservation of press freedom. Through its training, advocacy, and community-building, Poynter serves as a vital resource for journalists, news organizations, and citizens globally. As the parent organization of PolitiFact, the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN), and MediaWise, the Institute remains the gold standard for journalistic excellence and truth in the digital age. To learn more, visit poynter.org. Post navigation The BBC’s High-Stakes Legal Battle With Donald Trump: A Defining Test for International Media Defense
