Philanthropists fund the arts and museums, why not local news?
May 30, 2024
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Dale Anglin, nonprofit director, discusses the importance of funding local news. They explore foundation-supported journalism success stories, initiatives by Cleveland Foundation and Press Forward, decline of local journalism, rise of social entrepreneurs, and community engagement in funding local news outlets.
Investing in local newsrooms is essential for addressing community issues like education and adult literacy.
Collaborative efforts between funders, donors, and journalism institutions are vital for revitalizing local news ecosystems and promoting sustainable journalism funding.
Deep dives
The Importance of Local Newsrooms and Philanthropy in Strengthening Journalism and Communities
Local newsrooms play a crucial role in informing communities. The director of Press Forward discusses the significant impact of investing in local newsrooms, highlighting the challenges faced due to a lack of sufficient journalism coverage in areas like education and adult literacy. By supporting journalism as a tool for social change, initiatives like the Cleveland Foundation and partnerships with local groups aim to address issues ranging from housing to economic development.
Success Stories in Supporting Journalism Initiatives
Grant-making and public policy efforts have led to successful outcomes in journalism support. Examples from Newark and Cleveland showcase the positive impact of providing funding to organizations like chalkbeat focused on education reporting. Collaborative initiatives with local groups and documentaries have also yielded significant outcomes in promoting community involvement and investigative reporting.
The Press Forward Model and Its Focus on Strengthening Local News Ecosystems
Press Forward emphasizes a collaborative approach involving funders, donors, and journalism institutions to revitalize local news ecosystems. By committing $500 million to a five-year effort, Press Forward focuses on key pillars including infrastructure and policy to promote equity and support diverse funding models. The initiative seeks to expand its reach through local chapters, fostering collaboration and sustainability across various regions.
Promoting Public Engagement and Sustainable Funding for Local Journalism
Press Forward advocates for public support and diverse funding sources for sustaining local journalism. Efforts aim to raise awareness about the value of quality news reporting in fostering community engagement and accountability. Through initiatives like the open call for news outlets underrepresented in media coverage, Press Forward seeks to create a movement advocating for sustainable journalism funding and collaboration across regions.
Press Forward was started as an effort to galvanize funders and donors to think more broadly about the importance of local news, according to the nonprofit's director Dale Anglin.
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