accelerator

YouTube Mastermind Lab for News Creators

where: Sydney, CBD, & Virtual
when: November 30th 2026 - December 1st 2026
cost: Absolutely Free

Elevate your channel with the YouTube Mastermind Lab for News Creators.

Delivered by Changer in collaboration with the Google News Initiative, this program is for up to 30 independent news creators, journalists, podcasters and newsletter writers across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.

It starts with two days in person at Google Sydney, followed by eight weeks of hands-on support to help you grow your channel and build a sustainable news business on YouTube.

Apply here!

About the Accelerator

Great journalism deserves a bigger audience.
Audiences are turning to YouTube for news and independent voices are winning their trust.

This program gives you the strategy, tools and support to compete, without giving up the standards that make your journalism worth watching.

You’ll learn from Changer’s world leading coaching team, YouTube experts and journalists who have already built audiences on the platform.

You’ll join a cohort of independent news creators from across the region. Then you’ll put it into practice, with weekly group check-ins, 1:1 coaching and a private community where you can share progress, workshop ideas and collaborate.

Astro Kobi (2.2M Subscribers)
News Accelerator Graduate

Masterclass Topics

01Content Strategy & PlanningTurn your editorial skill into content made for YouTube. Build repeatable formats and a consistent publishing cadence and give your audience a reason to come back.
02Packaging & RetentionOptimise titles and thumbnails, hook viewers early, and structure your videos so people stay to the end.
03Workflow, Efficiency & AI ToolsStreamline production and use learn how tools like Gemini can be used for scripting, editing and scheduling, so you can publish more without burning out.
04Monetisation & Revenue ModelsGet the most out of YouTube monetisation (ads, live and memberships), then build income beyond the platform through brand deals, licensing and direct sales.

Program Details

The YouTube Mastermind Lab for News Creators combines a two-day intensive with eight weeks of practical support, so you can apply what you learn to your own channel.

Starting with a two-day Mastermind at Google Sydney

30 November – 1 December 2026

Followed by eight weekly online group check-ins

(dates to include Xmas break)

One hour per session, with a break over the December holidays
Share progress, hear from world-leading guest speakers, work through challenges and get feedback from Changer as you develop your content and channel strategy Individual coaching
Up to three hours of 1:1 coaching per creator across the eight-week support period
Tailored guidance from Changer on your channel, goals and specific challenges

Resources and community

Session recordings, module summaries and practical resources
A private online community for questions, peer support and collaboration

Travel and accommodation

Participants arrange and cover their own travel and accommodation for the Sydney Mastermind.

Who should apply?

The YouTube Mastermind Lab for News Creators is designed for independent news creators, journalists, podcasters and newsletter writers based in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific who want to develop their presence on YouTube.

We’re looking for applicants who:

Create news or public-interest journalism and want to develop their content, audience and creator business.
Can attend the two-day Mastermind at Google HQ Sydney on 30 November - 1 December 2026.
Can commit to eight weekly online group check-ins, with a break over the December holidays.
Are ready to apply the learning to their own work, participate in program activities and complete pre- and post-program surveys.

Travel and accommodation: Participants are responsible for arranging and covering their own travel and accommodation to attend the Sydney Mastermind.

Please review the full eligibility criteria and program terms before applying.

Further GNI program T&Cs are available here

Apply here!

Testimonials from previous participants

“I just wanted to say thank you for all of your guidance for the channel. It's really hard to believe how much it has grown.”

Dami Lee — 1.82M Subscribers

Creator Accelerator Alumni

“The News Accelerator program provided me with guidance that is hard to find in the creator economy, the team should be proud!”

Astro Kobi — 2.4M Subscribers

Next Generation News Accelerator 2023

“ I gained confidence in how the platform functions, ways to be most successful, and had space to workshop and fail with safety nets in place. I'd recommend this experience to anyone new to YouTube.”

Under The Desk News — 38K Subscribers

Next Generation News Accelerator 2023

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