Future Tense: Where is Journalism Heading?

February 12, 2026

On Thursday, January 29, The Puffin Foundation was honored to host a conversation at our Brooklyn space about the future of independent media, presented by The Nation. The panel featured StudentNation writers Ilana Cohen, Aina Marzia, and Lara-Nour Walton and was moderated by Nation editor and publisher Katrina vanden Heuvel. 

It’s safe to say that the young journalists made a huge impression, and gave the audience good reason to feel hopeful. “Judging by the poise, intelligence and clear commitment of the three speakers, the future of media could be in far better shape than we think. The conversation was as riveting as it was inspiring as the speakers laid out their views on what would constitute a fair and just media system.”  -Peter Rothberg, Associate Publisher, The Nation.