Call for applications: Today's News for Tomorrow

Content deletion. Link rot. Server disconnections. Site moves. Digital decay.

The threads that chronicle the stories of your community could vanish without a trace. 

A 2019 study from the Reynolds Journalism Institute found that “the majority of news outlets had not given any thought to even basic strategies for preserving their digital content.” Loss of these information sources will have major consequences for future journalists, scholars, and citizens.

Get the tools to archive the first draft of history. Today’s News for Tomorrow, a collaboration between the Internet Archive, Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE), and the Poynter Institute with support from Press Forward, offers newsrooms free training, digital preservation services and sustained support to ensure the long-term preservation and access of their digital assets.

Apply now for a chance to receive:

• Live and asynchronous training 
• Free access to Internet Archive’s digital preservation and web archiving services
• Local news resources through a local news access portal
• An invitation to participate in knowledge sharing and networking opportunities around local news preservation 

Applicants will be sorted into cohorts based on geographic location, media type, or other characteristics. Cohorts will begin in March, May, and September 2026 and January, April, and September 2027.

The various cohorts will gather on the following dates:

• Cohort 1: March 10, March 24, April 7, 2026
• Cohort 2: May 5, May 19, June 2, 2026
• Cohort 3: September 1, September 15, September 29, 2026
• Cohort 4: January 12, January 26, February 9, 2027
• Cohort 5: April 6, April 20, May 4, 2027
• Cohort 6: September 7, September 21, October 5, 2027

Who should apply?

Participants that are part of a media organization (from non-profit and corporate media, to public media, digital startups, college, print and broadcast media) that produces content requiring preservation. If accepted, participating organizations will be expected to have at least one representative engage in both asynchronous and live training activities. Participants will be provided with free access to tools and services to support the preservation of digital news.

Application process

Fill out this application by January 9, 2026. While it may be completed by the individual intending to participate in the training, approval from an editor, director, or equivalent is required.

Cost

There is no cost associated with participation.

Information Session

Learn about the Today's News for Tomorrow project and how your organization can get involved by registering for this information session on Friday, December 5 at 12PM ET / 9AM PT.

This session will include a brief presentation from the project team and time for Q&A.