NABJ Announces Four-Year Investment From Disney and ABC News Group for Leadership Academy

The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) announced Saturday, in conjunction with its annual Convention, the launch of a four-year commitment from Disney and ABC News Group to invest in and partner with its NABJ Leadership Academy.

The investment will provide NABJ with financial support for the next four years to build on and enhance the programming and training opportunities provided to participants. The partnership will begin for the upcoming 2024-2025 cycle.

Now in its third year, the academy trains NABJ members working in broadcast, print, and digital who are current news and media managers—or interested in transitioning to leadership—to ascend to the executive suite. Training takes place during the Convention and year-round, with discipline-specific modules and career development training.

Participants undergo a high-level leadership training process that includes workshops led by news and media industry executives and modules focusing on hiring and retention, business acumen, character, personal and professional branding, and leadership development. Participants are also paired with national news and media leaders to receive mentorship throughout the program.

Disney and ABC News Group have been a constant fixture at NABJ Conventions throughout the years, providing in-depth training for managers, producers, writers, reporters, on-air talent, and content creators.

Additionally, the company offers a career fair booth and networking opportunities during annual Conventions and recruits and interviews potential candidates. It also produces the popular Storytellers Summit, with panels featuring award-winning talent, executives and producers. This partnership will expound on efforts to support Black journalists and media professionals and inspire the next generation of news leaders.

Interested participants may apply to join the next Leadership Academy cohort here:

2024-2025 NABJ Print/Digital Leadership Academy Applications

• bit.ly/NABJPrintDigitalLeaders

2024-2025 NABJ Broadcast Leadership Academy Applications

• bit.ly/NABJBroadcastLeaders

About NABJ

The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides innovative, quality programs and services to its members. The organization advocates on behalf of Black journalists and media professionals in the U.S. and worldwide. NABJ’s membership is more than 4,000 strong and includes emerging journalists, professional journalists, student journalists, journalism educators, and media professionals of all kinds.