A team of experts available to help news media companies “fast track transformation and avoid mistakes” has been announced by WAN-Ifra.

The 14-member Expert Panel was announced during the World News Media Congress in Taipei.

The group will represent the association and work closely with it around the globe to support the industry in its quest for sustainability.

“With the rapid shift towards digital channels, many publishers are looking for guidance in crafting their strategies and implementing new business models that reflect the changes in the industry,” says chief operating officer Thomas Jacob.

“Our experts, who have been carefully selected for their news media expertise, will bring valuable hands-on experience that will help news media companies to fast track their transformation process and avoid costly mistakes.”

Members of the team will also be available as independent board members and as strategic advisors to chief executives and to coach senior management.

Jacob says WAN-Ifra will serve as a bridge between information, expertise, and results. “The panel covers the entire news media ecosystem and helps in creating sustainable media businesses,” he says.

Members cover a wide range of focus areas including digital revenue optimisation, media and newsroom transformation, paid content evaluation and implementation, digital advertising strategy, AI strategies, use of data and newspaper production evaluation.