We launched News Creator Corps in September with one premise in mind: Instead of telling people to stop getting their news from social media, what if we made it better? And if communities could access quality information through creators, what could that mean for news deserts and those underserved by mainstream media?
The ripple effect of this work is vast. During our pilot program, not only were creators learning to bolster their work through credible sourcing and public records, but their audiences were also gaining media literacy tools alongside them. When people have access to accurate information, they make better decisions for themselves and their families—and they show up more fully in their communities.
We are incredibly bullish on the opportunities ahead. Democracy depends on an informed citizenry, and in too many places, the infrastructure for trustworthy local information has collapsed. As we move into 2026, we're doubling down on NCC's core values, focusing our programs on the communities that need them most: underrepresented demographics, college and high school students, and rural areas. Together, we're not just training creators—we're rebuilding the information pipelines that strengthen civic life.
NCC in the news
The Creator Spotlight podcast hosted a NCC trio: 2025 fellow Danielle Desir Corbett, executive director Rachel Lobdell, and advisory board member Katie Grossbard.
Before launching the organization this September, Rachel Lobdell, the Executive Director, spent nearly two decades in traditional newsrooms. She built NCC based on the realization that journalists are no longer the primary translators of information for everyday Americans.
Creators have taken that place — often with no formal journalism training — and are producing content that shapes how their audiences think, vote, spend, and parent.
Listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Hello, Nashville!
The NCC team is headed to Nashville next week, and we’d love to meet you. We’re hosting a coffee, mocktails, and cocktail hour at Grandpa Bar on January 15. RSVP here and come have a drink on us. We'll be sharing one-pagers on how you can help your community by identifying misinformation, as well as tips on taking care of your mental health and safety online.
Upcoming events
How to find good health information to share with your audienceJanuary 9 at 1 p.m. ETHealth, medical, and wellness information is the number one topic of misinformation spread across the internet, and it touches every focus area from politics and parenting to sports and travel. In this session, Dr. Panthagani will provide guidance and resources on the ever increasingly difficult question: Where can I find accurate health information I can trust?
Creator Legal 101: Protecting your content, brand, and moneyFebruary 4 at 1 p.m. ETIn this training, creator attorney Brittany Ratelle shows you how to protect your content, brand, and money when working with brands and partners. You’ll learn how ownership, licensing, exclusivity, and liability really work for modern creators, and how to spot bad deals and negotiate better contracts for yourself before they become expensive problems. Come for the clarity, leave with some legal quick-wins and a roadmap for lasting legal armor.
What we’re writing
Technology has enabled creators to keep their IP — which is the difference between getting paid once to produce something and owning assets that earn forever.
What we’re reading
The New Yorker: What a Viral YouTube Video Says About the Future of Journalism
The Wall Street Journal: Your Key Survival Skill for 2026: Critical Ignoring
The Hollywood Reporter: Tribeca Festival to Include Social Media Creators in New Online Work Category
The Washington Post: She provides the raw material to Trump’s influencer machine