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PHILADELPHIA, PA (11/17/2016) – The Institute for Journalism in New Media, created by philanthropist H.F. “Gerry” Lenfest earlier this year to advance the development and sustainability of quality local journalism, today announced the expansion of both its senior management team and its Board of Managers, the governing body of the non-profit organization. Each appointee – five new Board members and two senior executives – is an influential industry leader in media, business and digital technology.
Mr. Lenfest continues to serve as the Chairman of the Board of Managers, which is comprised of prominent industry voices across journalism, media, technology and academia. The new Board members will provide counsel on strengthening various centers of innovation in local and metro media markets as well as developing creative funding plans to sustain and advance the business of news. New members include:
“These five individuals are pioneers in their respective industries, and I am proud to welcome them to our Board of Managers,” said Lenfest. “We conducted an extensive search for additional Board Members with highly diverse backgrounds and perspectives. I am deeply pleased that such gifted individuals are joining our organization. The breadth and depth of their talent and knowledge will serve to enhance our Board, allowing us to make smarter, more impactful decisions to ensure that quality journalism endures for decades to come.”
The Institute has also named two digital news industry veterans to its executive management team:
“I’m pleased to announce the appointments of Ken Herts and Burt Herman to our executive management team,” said Jim Friedlich, executive director and CEO of the Institute for Journalism in New Media. “Ken and Burt each have terrific track records operating successfully at the intersection of news and technology. The expansion of our team supports our mission of advancing great local journalism, and as we continue to back creative and innovative news platforms and products, I am confident that we will attract and retain more top-tier talent.
The Institute will invest in and support innovative news initiatives nationwide, with a special emphasis on opportunities in metropolitan areas such as Philadelphia. With the opportunity to partner closely with Philadelphia Media Network – made up of The Philadelphia Inquirer, Daily News and philly.com – and other local media as a “test kitchen” for innovation, the Institute can create a blueprint for other legacy news organizations across the country.
In January 2016, Lenfest launched the Institute for Journalism in New Media and subsequently donated The Philadelphia Inquirer, Daily News and philly.com to the newly formed tax-exempt organization. The Institute operates under the TPF Special Assets Fund associated with The Philadelphia Foundation.
For more information regarding Philadelphia Media Network, please visit www.philly.com. For more information regarding The Philadelphia Foundation, please visit www.philafound.org.
Philadelphia Media Network, (PMN) is the owner of The Philadelphia Inquirer, Daily News, and Philly.com. With its multiple brand platforms and integrated print and digital products, PMN is the region’s largest news media network and the industry’s technological leader and innovator. PMN reaches an average weekly audience of 1.9 million adults – more than the combination of the four evening television news shows or the combination of those radio stations ranked in the top ten during drive-time programming.
One of America’s oldest community foundations (founded in 1918), The Philadelphia Foundation (TPF) is committed to improving the quality of life in the Pennsylvania counties of Greater Philadelphia (Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia). A foundation and a public charity, TPF connects philanthropic resources to societal needs. TPF manages assets of approximately $370 million and more than 900 charitable funds established by its fund holders. It distributes about $25 million annually to nearly 1,000 nonprofits as grants and scholarships, and promotes greater philanthropy and stronger nonprofits in service to community needs. To learn more, visit www.philafound.org.
The TPF Special Assets Fund is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Philadelphia Foundation. Its purpose is to support The Philadelphia Foundation, including through the receipt of assets other than cash or publicly traded securities. Donations to TPF Special Assets Fund are tax-deductible to the same extent as are gifts to The Philadelphia Foundation itself. To learn more, visit www.philafound.org.