NewsLab began in 1998 as an initiative funded by the Park Foundation, a private foundation based in Ithaca, New York, and was aimed at broadcast journalists. Until 2003, it was associated with the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and affiliated with the Project for Excellence in Journalism. From 2003 until 2017, NewsLab operated independently under the leadership of founder and Executive Director Deborah Potter, who also offered workshops for newsrooms and journalism groups around the world. In 2017 NewsLab became part of the Meek School of Journalism and New Media at the University of Mississippi. The Meek school is home to a new and thriving integrated marketing communications program as well as its established and well-respected journalism program. To serve professionals across the communications spectrum, NewsLab has expanded its content to include marketing while maintaining its commitment to outstanding journalism.