2026 Local News Accelerator

In partnership with Blue Engine Collaborative and with support from the Google News Initiative, the New Mexico Local News Fund equipped 12 local newsrooms with the tools and training to grow philanthropic support and strengthen community-centered journalism across the state.

Applications are now closed for the GNI State News Sustainability Accelerator | New Mexico

Beginning in January and running through the summer of 2026, participating local publishers gained a better understanding of the pillars of a sustainable news organization, and worked on delivering meaningful gains in audience (reach and engagement) and revenue strength and diversification during the course of the program. Participating organizations assembled a cross-functional team and worked directly with a Blue Engine coach dedicated to their success, received guidance and direct support from a group of subject matter experts, received actionable suggestions via audits (on their tech stack, products, audience practices, revenue practices, etc.) and participated in hands-on live (virtual) workshops with their peers. Learn more about the program and Blue Engine here.

Thank you to everyone who applied and participated. We look forward to supporting this year’s cohort as they build stronger, more resilient local news for New Mexico.
A man with dark hair wearing a white shirt, smiling outdoors with green foliage in the background.

Rashad Mahmood

Executive Director

“This partnership with Blue Engine and GNI builds on our commitment to ensuring that local journalism in New Mexico not only survives but thrives,” said Rashad Mahmood, executive director of the New Mexico Local News Fund. “Through the Accelerator, we’re investing in long-term capacity for local outlets to raise philanthropic dollars and continue producing high-quality, community-responsive journalism.”