New program will help local media companies assess AI readiness, identify opportunities for implementation, and shape future training, resources and services
NEW YORK, Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Local Media Consortium (LMC) today announced the launch of the AI Accelerator, a new program designed to help local media companies better understand, evaluate and implement artificial intelligence strategies that improve operations, strengthen business performance and support long-term sustainability. As part of the program, the LMC is partnering with Stellis AI to conduct an AI Readiness & Digital Tech Stack Assessment for participating members.
The assessment comes as artificial intelligence continues to move up the priority list for local media organizations. In the LMC’s recent industry survey, 46% of respondents identified AI for operations as one of the top trends on their radar for 2026, underscoring growing interest in practical applications that can improve efficiency, streamline workflows and support business growth.
The AI Readiness & Digital Tech Stack Assessment will provide participating organizations with a comprehensive evaluation of their current technology environment, AI readiness, operational priorities and opportunities for implementation. Findings, which will be gleaned from a survey that kicked off on August 25, will help organizations identify practical ways to improve workflows, increase efficiency, reduce costs, strengthen audience engagement and uncover new revenue opportunities.
“Artificial intelligence has quickly moved from a future consideration to an active business priority for many local media organizations,” said Fran Wills, CEO of the Local Media Consortium. “Our members are looking for practical guidance on where AI can create the greatest impact for their organizations. The AI Accelerator will help participants assess their readiness, identify opportunities and build a roadmap for implementation so they can make informed decisions with confidence.”
Participating organizations will receive individualized findings and recommendations to support future planning and implementation efforts. Assessment results will remain proprietary to participating organizations and the LMC, while aggregated insights will help guide future AI-related education, programming, partnerships and support resources for members.
The AI Accelerator is part of a broader effort by LMC and Digital On-Demand Services (DODS), which helps local media organizations get important work done by connecting them with the right experts and managing the work from idea to execution. The AI Readiness & Digital Tech Stack Assessment is supported through funding from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation as part of the News Media Help Desk, an online resource created by the LMC and The Reynolds Journalism Institute that guides newsrooms toward strategic decisions that ensure the long-term future of local media.
“By helping organizations move from AI experimentation to implementation, this initiative will provide the LMC with valuable insights into the needs and priorities of its membership,” said Liz Hayes, program manager for DODS. “Those insights will inform future training programs, educational resources, strategic partnerships and services designed to support local media organizations as they navigate a rapidly evolving technology landscape.”
About the Local Media Consortium
The Local Media Consortium delivers more than $60 million in annual economic value through digital partnerships and strategic initiatives on behalf of more than 150 local media companies in top markets across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico, and includes more than 5,000 newspaper, radio, TV and online-only news outlets. By harnessing the combined volume and scale of its members, the LMC reduces costs and increases revenue with technology and service providers. The aggregated LMC audience footprint spans 200 million unique monthly visitors, and its member companies serve more than nine billion pageviews to consumers. More information is available at localmediaconsortium.com.
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