News Creator Exchange at work: Exploring collaboration without compromise

Over the next year, WAN-IFRA plans to build NCX into a community, connecting digital news creators and journalists from both startup and traditional newsrooms.

The aim is to find common ground and practical ways to work together.

Pierre Caulliez, founder of Gen Z consultancy YOOF, will lead NCX - and said the first workshop helped editors and creators understand each other's work, recognise complementary strengths, and explore what collaboration could look like in practice.

Three key learnings stood out for Caulliez:

Creators' audience instincts are a real asset for newsrooms
"Creators in the room spoke about how they read their communities, choose tone and format, and keep content close to everyday life. One creator who covers the economy even made a rap song to explain economic issues to young people. It worked because it felt genuine and creative."

Newsrooms can provide resources that support creators' growth
"Creators talked about limits around time, research, and access to facilities. In the discussion, newsrooms were seen as partners who can offer reporting, verification, training, and production infrastructure, while creators focus on delivery and packaging that fit their audiences."

Partnerships thrive when both sides understand each other's values
"Several participants stressed that shared values are the starting point: why a story matters, how accuracy is handled, and what each side stands for. Once that alignment is clear, collaboration becomes possible."

Accountability in action

In a follow-up session at the Asia Media Leaders Summit, Christian Esguerra, founder of Facts Firstin the Philippines, shared how losing his job before the 2022 presidential election led him to launch an independent YouTube channel.

"I was told to tone down my coverage on certain topics. I made clear this was not personal; it was about accountability. They fired me. Looking back, it gave me the freedom to report the way I believe is right," he said.

At Facts First, Esguerra produces live interviews, commentary, explainer series, and investigative skits independently. His income comes solely from YouTube, with no corporate or political support. "If I don't produce content, I don't get paid," he said. "But independence allows me to report without pressure."

Esguerra emphasised the need for shared standards between journalists and creators.

'Journalists follow verification processes and have a loyalty to the public. Creators may focus on engagement or reach. Working together is possible only if values are aligned.'

While creators can be compelling, credibility comes from consistent ethical practice and accountability, he added.

Don't compete, collaborate

Uni Lubis, Editor-in-Chief of IDN Timesin Indonesia, discussed her organisation's approach to collaboration. IDN runs a platform with 12,000 creators, many producing news and lifestyle content for younger audiences. "Our aim isn't to compete but to collaborate," she said. "Audiences respond to creators who are genuine and transparent."

Research from the IDN Research Instituteshows that six in ten Indonesians trust creators they perceive as authentic. Lubis noted that many young journalists hesitate to engage publicly due to online harassment and lack of confidence. "Personal storytelling helps build trust," she said. "We need to support staff in engaging confidently online."

Lubis now hosts a political podcast herself, showing how newsroom staff can experiment safely while maintaining standards.

Towards a culture of sharing

Caulliez outlined NCX's mission to connect journalists and creators while sharing skills and standards. "Some creators are trained journalists; others are content specialists. We will provide mentorship and resources to help them maintain editorial integrity while reaching audiences effectively," he said.

The programme will also encourage newsrooms to let younger staff experiment with new formats and platforms, supported by clear guidance and structure.

All panellists agreed that collaboration is possible when ethical standards and shared values are clear. "Creators can learn our verification practices, and journalists can learn how to engage audiences in ways the newsroom may not," Caulliez said.

Esguerra and Lubis both stressed that collaboration works best when skills are exchanged, but accountability remains the priority.

♦ As part of its partnership with the Google News Initiative's Global News Gaps Project, WAN-IFRA will help identify and support emerging news voices: 150 will receive two years of sponsored WAN-IFRA membership and mentoring to help them on a path to sustainability.

♦ ♦ If you want updates from NCX, scan the QR code.

WAN-IFRA Staff

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