Poynter

Poynter Institute for Media Studies, commonly referred to as Poynter, is a nonprofit organization that serves as a think tank, training center, and resource for journalism ethics and education. Based in St. Petersburg, Florida, United States, it operates a range of programs, publishes journalism-related content, and conducts research aimed at improving the quality and integrity of reporting. Its flagship online publication is Poynter.org, which offers reporting, analysis, and practical guidance for journalists and newsroom leaders.

Founded in 1975 with funds from the estate of Nelson A. Poynter, a former owner of the St. Petersburg Times, the institute was established to advance the study and practice of journalism. Over the decades, it expanded from a regional training facility into a global center for newsroom ethics, digital journalism, fact-checking, and media literacy.

Programs and initiatives at Poynter include News University, an online learning platform that provides courses for journalists and newsroom staff; fellowships, residencies, and collaborative reporting projects; and the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN), launched in 2015 to promote standards and transparency in fact-checking. The IFCN maintains a Code of Principles that member organizations must meet to achieve certification.

Impact and governance: As a nonprofit, Poynter collaborates with media outlets, universities, and philanthropic funders to advance journalism ethics, editorial standards, and media literacy. Its work has influenced newsroom training, editorial practices, and the broader ecosystem of fact-checking and digital journalism.