Merrill Brown, a veteran news executive and media consultant, has been named a visiting professionals fellow for spring 2026 by Syracuse University’s Institute for Democracy, Journalism and Citizenship (IDJC). He plans to use his fellowship to study existing and evolving business models across the media landscape and new ways to sustain quality journalism.

The founding editor in chief of MSNBC.com (now ms.now), Brown brings decades of experience at the intersection of journalism, media innovation and business strategy. He also served as senior vice president at RealNetworks, editorial director at G/O Media, founder and CEO of the News Project, co-founder of the Online News Association, and inaugural director of the School of Communication and Media at Montclair State University.

In addition, Brown has served in roles at The Washington Post and Court TV, and with numerous nonprofit and advisory boards related to journalism, media and civic engagement.

Brown’s fellowship project will examine revenue strategies, emerging technologies, artificial intelligence and opportunities for innovation to support high-quality journalism, particularly at the local level.

Brown, who holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Washington University in St. Louis, has also served as a judge for the Newhouse School’s Mirror Awards.

A joint initiative of the Newhouse School and Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, the IDJC engages in research, teaching, experiential learning and industry partnerships to address challenges to democracy related to the information environment.

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to become a fellow at the IDJC,” Brown said. “I’ve been an admirer of the research and teaching done at Newhouse and the Maxwell School. Joining with the experts at the two schools and with [IDJC Kramer Director] Margaret Talev to explore media business models and new ways to sustain quality journalism is a timely and important opportunity.”

As part of the fellowship, Brown will engage with students through guest lectures and public programming. His goal is to develop a long-term structure for studying media business models within an academic setting.

“I look forward to being able to conduct research on this vital topic and to share that work and my news industry experience with the University community,” Brown said. “Syracuse is at the center of the urgent future of news research and experimentation, and I look forward to contributing to those efforts.”

Talev said Brown’s work and experience will complement two trailblazing initiatives announced recently by the University, including IDJC’s own Local NeXT Lab. Led by Joshua Darr, associate professor of communications, Local NeXT Lab is the first project of its kind that will connect newsrooms, funders and academics to pioneer journalism innovations, with the goal of strengthening local news.

Brown’s work will also be instrumental to the development of the University’s Center for the Creator Economy. The center, which is led by Newhouse and the Whitman School of Management, is building real-world skills in media, entrepreneurship and digital strategy to prepare students for the 21st-century economy.

“We are proud to host Merrill this year as he develops this important work,” Talev said. “Merrill’s research and engagement with students will focus on developing and sustaining the media and communications industries of the future.”

About IDJC’s Visiting Fellow Program

The IDJC’s fellowship program for visiting professionals reflects the institute’s broader mission to connect students with leading voices in journalism and civic life. Through public events, classroom visits and collaborative projects, fellows contribute to a dynamic learning environment that prepares students to become thoughtful, engaged communicators and citizens.