Lenfest Institute announces 2026 Philadelphia Media Founders Exchange News Creators Network fellows

The Lenfest Institute for Journalism has announced the news creators and local publishers selected for the 2026 Philadelphia Media Founders Exchange News Creators Network, a four-month incubator that builds partnerships between independent news creators and local news organizations.

The Philadelphia News Creators Network is part of a broader $1 million Lenfest Institute investment to strengthen collaboration between publishers and creators. The effort combines the rigor, standards and infrastructure of established newsrooms with the innovation, reach and cultural relevance of creators.

Four teams of Philadelphia-based news organizations and news-focused creators will receive direct funding from a $200,000 pool. The Philadelphia News Creators Network will also offer participants mentorship, learning sessions, and access to the Lenfest Expert Network community of media, technology and business advisers. The Network is supported by The Lenfest Institute and Comcast NBCUniversal.

The 2026 Philadelphia News Creators Network teams and projects are: 

• Brou Quinn and Terrill Haigler with Green Philly: Engage younger audiences through relatable sustainability stories rooted in Philadelphia’s food scene and everyday waste management challenges.
• Stephanie Humphrey and Chelsea Cox with Technical.ly: Examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping work, governance and daily life in Philadelphia.
• Elaine Johnson and Alisha Miranda with Resolve Philly: Distribute essential civic information through trusted community networks, including mothers and hospitality workers, ensuring critical news reaches people through channels where trust already exists
• Miguel Dalmau (aka Che Guerrero) and Debora Reaves Charmelus with Inti Media: Reach younger BIPOC audiences through social media and community-centered storytelling focused on civic participation, elections, and Afro Latine culture.

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