FT Strategies and WAN-IFRA launch global survey to inform Future Newsrooms Study

FT Strategies, in partnership with WAN-IFRA, today announces the launch of a global survey calling on newsroom leaders and strategists to contribute to the Future Newsrooms Study, a new research initiative examining how editorial organisations are adapting to structural change.

The survey invites editors-in-chief, managing editors and newsroom strategists worldwide to share how their organisations are evolving strategies, operating models, skills and technologies amid accelerating disruption driven by artificial intelligence, audience fragmentation and increasing cost pressures.

The Future Newsrooms Study will build on existing industry research focused on audience trends and financial sustainability by introducing a recurring global benchmark dedicated to newsroom transformation. Insights gathered through this survey will form the foundation of the study, providing a detailed and practical view of how editorial organisations are evolving operationally.

The research will explore a number of core themes, including:

• Newsroom strategy: how editorial vision is defined and executed
• AI and automation: how emerging technologies are integrated into workflows
• Organisational design: how structures are evolving in response to audience needs
• Investment priorities: where editorial resources are being allocated
• Skills and capabilities: what defines successful newsrooms of the future

The findings will be published in a flagship report, supported by Arc XP and launched at the WAN-IFRA 77th World News Media Congress in June. The report will provide practical frameworks and global benchmarks to support newsroom leaders navigating transformation.

“What characterises the world's most successful news organisations is a relentless commitment to evolving their newsrooms to meet ever-growing audience expectations,” said Stig Ørskov, CEO of WAN-IFRA. “In today's AI-driven era, where editorial tools, audience needs, and the competitive landscape are changing at unprecedented speed, how do editorial leaders shape newsrooms to deliver distinctive, relevant journalism? Never before has it been more urgent to understand how newsrooms are adapting to structural change and to learn from the experiences of peers.”

“We are delighted to be undertaking such a seminal piece of research into the newsrooms at a time when the future is so uncertain for us all in the industry,” said Lisa MacLeod, Director and Head of News at FT Strategies. “An incredibly rich repository of interview material with the world's top strategic editorial thinkers forms the groundwork for a deep survey covering the most pressing issues of the day: AI and content, strategic positioning, news creators and new formats. Along with our partners in WAN-IFRA and Arc XP and our advisory board, we are certain this work will become an indispensable guide to future planning and success for newsrooms globally.”

Survey responses will remain anonymous and will be handled with strict confidentiality. The survey is open until Friday, 10 April 2026.

About FT Strategies
FT Strategies provides the expert insight, integrity and consulting excellence required to transform businesses based on real-world, first-hand experience. We work together with our clients to deliver sustainable growth strategies, built on leading-edge capabilities that improve customer engagement, retention, revenues and profit. The FT transformed from a 135-year-old legacy print brand into a thriving digital model, and FT Strategies utilises this practical best-in-class expertise to help clients thrive in the digital economy.

About WAN-IFRA
WAN-IFRA is the World Association of News Publishers, the global organisation of the world’s press. Its mission is to protect the rights of journalists and publishers around the world to operate independent media. WAN-IFRA provides its members with expertise and services to innovate and prosper in a digital world, while promoting freedom of the press and supporting quality journalism.

About Arc XP
Arc XP is a cloud-based digital experience platform developed by The Washington Post. It enables media organisations and brands to create, manage and deliver content and digital experiences across channels. Arc XP supports publishers in scaling their digital operations, enhancing audience engagement and driving sustainable revenue growth through modern, flexible technology.