Transforming Media & Empowering Leaders.
The MTC @ Medill executive leadership program is a dynamic community of practice that empowers media leaders to achieve measurable results and lasting transformation.
Since 2007, the Media Transformation Challenge has supported nearly 450 individuals and organizations from across the media ecosystem, including:
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National |
Major Metros |
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Local & Regional |
Journalism Support |
Topic-Focused |
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Through this yearlong Fellowship more than 400 senior media executives have realized critical performance outcomes, strengthened their leadership, and driven meaningful industry change.
Our Approach
Grounded in a performance-driven, outcome-oriented methodology, MTC helps leaders deliver tangible results while deepening their leadership capacity. With guidance from experienced coaches and the support of a trusted peer cohort, Fellows learn a repeatable set of tools and frameworks to:
- Achieve measurable results through real-world challenges
- Lead organizational transformation while developing personal leadership capacity
- Apply pragmatic, field-tested tools for strategy, innovation, change management and personal growth
MTC Fellows meet for five, week-long sessions over the course of the Fellowship: January, March, June and September of 2026, with a final wrap-up in January 2027. The middle three sessions take place in person on Northwestern’s campuses in Evanston, Ill., and Chicago.
Our Theory of Change
As the only performance challenge–based program in journalism, MTC is built on the belief that leaders drive transformation—both organizational and personal—by pursuing performance, not just executing projects or plans.
Our Impact
Through our Fellowship Program, Alumni Network, and Support Services, MTC equips leaders to transform their organizations, develop sustainable business models, engage underserved audiences, and strengthen democracy. The program ensures that leaders not only overcome today’s challenges but also build resilience and adaptability for the future.
Our Community
MTC reflects the varied and creative industry it serves. From global legacy institutions to nimble digital startups and critical support organizations, our alumni bring wide-ranging experience, bold ideas, and a shared commitment to leading change across journalism and beyond.