Difference between revisions of "The News Movement"
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| hq_location_country = United States | | hq_location_country = United States | ||
| area_served = Worldwide | | area_served = Worldwide | ||
| − | | key_people = [[Ramin Beheshti]] (Chief Executive Officer)<br>[[Rebecca Hutson]] (Editor-in-Chief)<br>[[Lotte Jones]] (Chief Commercial Officer) | + | | key_people = [[Ramin Beheshti]] (Chief Executive Officer)<br>[[Rebecca Hutson]] (Editor-in-Chief)<br>[[Lotte Jones]] (Chief Commercial Officer)<br>[[Benjamin Wegg-Prosser]] (Board Member) |
| industry = Media | | industry = Media | ||
| num_employees = 52 | | num_employees = 52 | ||
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By October 2025, TNM announced its new parent company, Caliber, a media entity designed to reimagine journalism through a family of brands including TNM, [[The Recount]], and Capsule.<ref name="LinkedIn2026" /> This restructuring aimed to enhance production capabilities and commercial partnerships. In early 2026, TNM refreshed its branding with a new logo and layouts, emphasising deeper coverage and audience engagement.<ref name="LinkedIn2026" /> As of February 2026, the company achieved one million followers on TikTok, celebrating with commitments to original stories.<ref name="LinkedIn2026" /> | By October 2025, TNM announced its new parent company, Caliber, a media entity designed to reimagine journalism through a family of brands including TNM, [[The Recount]], and Capsule.<ref name="LinkedIn2026" /> This restructuring aimed to enhance production capabilities and commercial partnerships. In early 2026, TNM refreshed its branding with a new logo and layouts, emphasising deeper coverage and audience engagement.<ref name="LinkedIn2026" /> As of February 2026, the company achieved one million followers on TikTok, celebrating with commitments to original stories.<ref name="LinkedIn2026" /> | ||
| + | |||
| + | == Governance and Board == | ||
| + | |||
| + | The News Movement operates under a board structure that includes its founders and external advisers. [[Benjamin Wegg-Prosser]], CEO and co-founder of Global Counsel and former Director of Strategic Communications for Prime Minister [[Tony Blair]], serves as a board member.<ref>Global Counsel. "[https://www.global-counsel.com/about/our-people/benjamin-wegg-prosser Benjamin Wegg-Prosser]". Accessed 5 February 2026.</ref> His involvement brings expertise in strategic communications, media, and political advisory to the organisation's governance. | ||
== Directors == | == Directors == | ||
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| − | = Activities and Controversies == | + | == Activities and Controversies == |
TNM's activities centre on producing engaging, fact-based content for social platforms. Notable efforts include a series on ICE detentions in Minneapolis, where footage was verified by the BBC and gained 1.5 million TikTok views in 24 hours.<ref name="LinkedIn2026" /> Another project tracked teenage brothers monitoring ICE raids in Chicago, resulting in a short documentary with over six million views.<ref name="LinkedIn2026" /> The company has also covered global issues, such as Arab American voters' responses to U.S. policy on Gaza, and cultural trends like declining birth rates and pub extinctions in Britain.<ref>The News Movement. "[https://www.thenewsmovement.com/ TNM Official Website]". Accessed 5 February 2026.</ref> | TNM's activities centre on producing engaging, fact-based content for social platforms. Notable efforts include a series on ICE detentions in Minneapolis, where footage was verified by the BBC and gained 1.5 million TikTok views in 24 hours.<ref name="LinkedIn2026" /> Another project tracked teenage brothers monitoring ICE raids in Chicago, resulting in a short documentary with over six million views.<ref name="LinkedIn2026" /> The company has also covered global issues, such as Arab American voters' responses to U.S. policy on Gaza, and cultural trends like declining birth rates and pub extinctions in Britain.<ref>The News Movement. "[https://www.thenewsmovement.com/ TNM Official Website]". Accessed 5 February 2026.</ref> | ||
Controversies primarily revolve around financial sustainability. In 2023, TNM reported millions in losses despite raising $15 million in funding and employing around 50 staff.<ref name="NYT2024" /> This led to staff slashes and the non-renewal of its Associated Press partnership in 2024, raising questions about the viability of social-first models.<ref name="NYT2024" /> Critics, including reports in ''The New York Times'', have highlighted the company's ambitious pitch to become "the Amazon of News" as overly optimistic, with actual performance falling short amid broader digital media struggles.<ref name="NYT2024" /> Additionally, co-founder [[William Lewis]]'s undisclosed advisory role to former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson in 2022, revealed in 2025, has indirectly spotlighted TNM, though no direct involvement was alleged. These issues underscore the challenges of innovating in journalism while maintaining fiscal health. | Controversies primarily revolve around financial sustainability. In 2023, TNM reported millions in losses despite raising $15 million in funding and employing around 50 staff.<ref name="NYT2024" /> This led to staff slashes and the non-renewal of its Associated Press partnership in 2024, raising questions about the viability of social-first models.<ref name="NYT2024" /> Critics, including reports in ''The New York Times'', have highlighted the company's ambitious pitch to become "the Amazon of News" as overly optimistic, with actual performance falling short amid broader digital media struggles.<ref name="NYT2024" /> Additionally, co-founder [[William Lewis]]'s undisclosed advisory role to former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson in 2022, revealed in 2025, has indirectly spotlighted TNM, though no direct involvement was alleged. These issues underscore the challenges of innovating in journalism while maintaining fiscal health. | ||
Latest revision as of 10:21, 5 February 2026
Social-first news company targeting Generation Z audiences
| The News Movement | |
|---|---|
| Trade name | {{{trade_name}}} |
| Type | Private |
| Founded | Template:Start date |
| Founder(s) | William Lewis Kamal Ahmed Ramin Beheshti Eleanor Breen Dion Bailey |
| Defunct | {{{defunct}}} |
| Headquarters | |
| Industry | Media |
| Services | {{{services}}} |
| Parent | Caliber |
| Subsidiaries | |
| Homepage | {{{homepage}}} |
The News Movement (TNM) is a social-first media company that produces and distributes news content primarily targeted at Generation Z audiences through social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and X. The organisation emphasises factual, unbiased reporting and original storytelling to combat misinformation and engage younger demographics who consume news incidentally rather than through traditional channels.[1] TNM operates newsrooms in New York and London, and focuses on topics relevant to its audience, including politics, culture, technology, and social issues. As of 2026, it has reached over one million followers on TikTok and produces content that garners millions of views, such as investigative pieces on immigration enforcement and cultural trends.[2]
Founded in 2020 amid a landscape of declining trust in traditional media, TNM was established to pioneer a new model of journalism that aligns with digital-native behaviours. The company has expanded its portfolio to include brands like The Recount for short-form video journalism and Capsule for lifestyle content. Despite rapid audience growth, TNM has faced financial challenges, including significant losses and staff reductions, highlighting the difficulties of sustaining digital media ventures in a competitive market.[3] Reports suggest that the organisation's innovative approach has influenced broader discussions on media adaptation, though it has also drawn scrutiny over its business sustainability.
The News Movement's content strategy involves creator-led stories, lived experiences, and "sideways-in" angles that provide context and depth to underreported issues. For instance, its coverage of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities in cities like Minneapolis and Chicago has included exclusive footage and interviews, verified by external outlets such as the BBC.[2] This approach aims to foster informed citizenship among young people, who, according to internal metrics, engage deeply with TNM's multimedia formats. The company's partnerships with brands for sponsored content further support its operations, blending journalism with commercial strategy to reach and empower its audience.
Critics have noted that while TNM positions itself as unbiased, its focus on social platforms exposes it to algorithmic biases and the spread of misinformation, though the organisation actively counters this through rigorous fact-checking and transparent sourcing. As part of the broader media ecosystem, TNM's evolution reflects ongoing shifts in how news is consumed and monetised in the digital age.
History
The News Movement was incorporated as a limited company in the United Kingdom on 4 November 2020.[4] It was co-founded by William Lewis, former chief executive of Dow Jones and publisher of The Wall Street Journal, alongside Kamal Ahmed, ex-editorial director at BBC News, Ramin Beheshti, Eleanor Breen (former Dow Jones chief of staff), and Dion Bailey (former head of technology at The Wall Street Journal).[5] The initial vision, as pitched to investors in late 2020, was to create "the Amazon of News" by producing social-native content for Gen Z and acquiring established brands.[3]
In 2021, TNM operated in beta mode, testing content creation and distribution strategies. By early 2022, after ten months of beta production, the company officially launched, focusing on engaging storytelling to reach audiences on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Reddit.[6] In September 2022, Jessica Coen was appointed as executive editor for the U.S., leading the expansion of the newsroom with hires including producers from NowThis and Mashable.[7] The official U.S. launch occurred in October 2022, marking a significant milestone in audience growth.[8]
Throughout 2023, TNM acquired The Recount, a U.S.-based video news startup, expanding its portfolio.[9] However, the year was marked by financial difficulties, with the company reporting millions in losses and implementing staff reductions.[3] In December 2023, William Lewis resigned as CEO to become chief executive of The Washington Post, with Ramin Beheshti appointed as interim CEO effective 1 January 2024.[10] Kamal Ahmed transitioned to a board role, overseeing content strategy across TNM's brands.
In 2024, TNM failed to renew its partnership with The Associated Press, amid ongoing financial pressures.[3] The company continued to build its audience, with notable reporting on real-time events like ICE operations, which gained viral traction.
By October 2025, TNM announced its new parent company, Caliber, a media entity designed to reimagine journalism through a family of brands including TNM, The Recount, and Capsule.[2] This restructuring aimed to enhance production capabilities and commercial partnerships. In early 2026, TNM refreshed its branding with a new logo and layouts, emphasising deeper coverage and audience engagement.[2] As of February 2026, the company achieved one million followers on TikTok, celebrating with commitments to original stories.[2]
Governance and Board
The News Movement operates under a board structure that includes its founders and external advisers. Benjamin Wegg-Prosser, CEO and co-founder of Global Counsel and former Director of Strategic Communications for Prime Minister Tony Blair, serves as a board member.[11] His involvement brings expertise in strategic communications, media, and political advisory to the organisation's governance.
Directors
| Name | Role | Tenure | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ramin Beheshti | Chief Executive Officer (Interim) | 1 January 2024 – present | Co-founder; previously President.[12] |
| William Lewis | Chief Executive Officer | 4 November 2020 – 1 January 2024 | Co-founder; resigned to join The Washington Post.[10] |
| Kamal Ahmed | Board Member (Content Strategy) | 2024 – present | Co-founder; former Editor-in-Chief.[10] |
Known Staff
TNM employs approximately 52 staff across its New York and London offices, with a focus on editorial, production, and commercial roles.[13]
| Name | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rebecca Hutson | Editor-in-Chief / Editorial Director | Leads editorial team; appeared in media discussions on AI and news.[2] |
| Jessica Coen | Executive Editor, U.S. | Appointed in 2022; builds U.S. newsroom.[14] |
| Lotte Jones | Chief Commercial Officer | Oversees commercial growth; 20+ years in media leadership.[15] |
| Sasha Byas | Head of Client Services / Senior Account Director | Manages UK-based client relationships.[16] |
| Will Hamnett | VP, Commercial Strategy & Partnerships | Leads global partnerships.[17] |
| Justin Goldberg | Head of Global Production | 20 years in digital production.[18] |
| Dan Ming | Senior Correspondent | Reports on immigration and politics; coverage gained millions of views.[2] |
| Dallin Mello | Producer | Works on investigative pieces.[2] |
| Kimberly Avalos | Producer | From NowThis.[19] |
| John D'Amico | Supervising Editorial Producer | From Mashable.[20] |
| Jennings Brown | Contributing Producer | Former Esquire editor.[21] |
| Jonathan Paterson | Contributing Editor | Based in London.[22] |
| Eleanor Breen | Co-founder | Former Dow Jones chief of staff.[10] |
| Dion Bailey | Co-founder | Former WSJ technology head.[10] |
Activities and Controversies
TNM's activities centre on producing engaging, fact-based content for social platforms. Notable efforts include a series on ICE detentions in Minneapolis, where footage was verified by the BBC and gained 1.5 million TikTok views in 24 hours.[2] Another project tracked teenage brothers monitoring ICE raids in Chicago, resulting in a short documentary with over six million views.[2] The company has also covered global issues, such as Arab American voters' responses to U.S. policy on Gaza, and cultural trends like declining birth rates and pub extinctions in Britain.[23] Controversies primarily revolve around financial sustainability. In 2023, TNM reported millions in losses despite raising $15 million in funding and employing around 50 staff.[3] This led to staff slashes and the non-renewal of its Associated Press partnership in 2024, raising questions about the viability of social-first models.[3] Critics, including reports in The New York Times, have highlighted the company's ambitious pitch to become "the Amazon of News" as overly optimistic, with actual performance falling short amid broader digital media struggles.[3] Additionally, co-founder William Lewis's undisclosed advisory role to former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson in 2022, revealed in 2025, has indirectly spotlighted TNM, though no direct involvement was alleged. These issues underscore the challenges of innovating in journalism while maintaining fiscal health.
See also
Social media journalism Generation Z Misinformation
External links
Notes
- ↑ LinkedIn. "The News Movement | LinkedIn". Accessed 5 February 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 LinkedIn. "The News Movement | LinkedIn". Accessed 5 February 2026.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 The New York Times. "Washington Post CEO's Last Company Lost Millions Betting on Gen Z". 2 August 2024.
- ↑ Companies House. "THE NEWS MOVEMENT LIMITED overview". GOV.UK. Accessed 5 February 2026.
- ↑ Press Gazette. "News Movement appoints interim CEO to succeed William Lewis". 1 December 2023.
- ↑ Sprinklr. "The News Movement uses social listening to reach a new generation of consumers on social channels". Accessed 5 February 2026.
- ↑ Editor & Publisher. "The News Movement names Jessica Coen as executive editor, U.S.". 14 September 2022.
- ↑ Reuters Institute. "The News Movement: creating a social-first outlet with a firm focus on young audiences". 8 November 2022.
- ↑ Press Gazette. "The News Movement acquires The Recount". 2023.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 Press Gazette. "News Movement appoints interim CEO to succeed William Lewis". 1 December 2023.
- ↑ Global Counsel. "Benjamin Wegg-Prosser". Accessed 5 February 2026.
- ↑ Companies House. "THE NEWS MOVEMENT LIMITED people". GOV.UK. Accessed 5 February 2026.
- ↑ PitchBook. "The News Movement 2026 Company Profile". Accessed 5 February 2026.
- ↑ Editor & Publisher. "The News Movement names Jessica Coen as executive editor, U.S.". 14 September 2022.
- ↑ LinkedIn. "Lotte Jones - Marketing Executive". Accessed 5 February 2026.
- ↑ Press Gazette. "Social-first publisher The News Movement grows commercial team". 9 May 2024.
- ↑ The Org. "The News Movement - Leadership Team". Accessed 5 February 2026.
- ↑ Department of Creative Affairs. "The News Movement | DCA". Accessed 5 February 2026.
- ↑ Editor & Publisher. "The News Movement names Jessica Coen as executive editor, U.S.". 14 September 2022.
- ↑ Editor & Publisher. "The News Movement names Jessica Coen as executive editor, U.S.". 14 September 2022.
- ↑ Editor & Publisher. "The News Movement names Jessica Coen as executive editor, U.S.". 14 September 2022.
- ↑ RocketReach. "Jonathan Paterson Email & Phone Number". Accessed 5 February 2026.
- ↑ The News Movement. "TNM Official Website". Accessed 5 February 2026.