Getting Proximate and Local: The State of Free Speech, News, and Access to Information in our Commun
Nov 1, 2024
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Dale Anglin, the inaugural director of Press Forward and former VP of the Cleveland Foundation, discusses the transformation of local journalism. She emphasizes the decline of community news and the importance of proximity in building trust. Anglin highlights efforts to empower grassroots journalism through initiatives like Documenters, which engage citizens in reporting. The conversation also touches on innovative funding models and the need for diverse voices in media to sustain democracy and improve access to information.
The decline of local journalism stems from social media's rise and inadequate investment in community reporting, resulting in diminished engagement.
Press Forward aims to revitalize local newsrooms through substantial investment, emphasizing the importance of philanthropic support in addressing coverage gaps.
Engaging young people in journalism fosters civic responsibility, enhances democratic understanding, and encourages diverse perspectives in local media.
Deep dives
Challenges in Local Journalism
The decline of local journalism is attributed to a perfect storm of various factors over the past 25 years, including the rise of social media and the loss of advertising revenue. Many local news outlets failed to innovate, leading to their dwindling numbers, as well as a lack of investment in community reporting. Without local news, community engagement diminishes and accountability decreases, allowing for governmental inefficiencies and poor public awareness. The urgent question remains on how to revive local journalism in a way that addresses previous shortcomings while adapting to new information consumption preferences.
The Role of Philanthropy in Revitalizing Journalism
Press Forward is a collaborative that aims to revitalize local newsrooms through a $500 million investment to address the coverage gaps and enhance the overall journalism infrastructure. The initiative emphasizes the importance of philanthropic support in raising awareness about the local news crisis and encouraging investment from foundations and individuals. By bridging financial gaps, this initiative also aims to create routes for sustained community journalism that embraces diversity and responds to local needs. With at least 1,200 counties facing a lack of journalist presence, initiatives like Press Forward could be instrumental in turning around this trend.
Community-Centric Approaches to Journalism
Community engagement is essential for rebuilding trust in journalism, and many new journalism initiatives are focusing on inclusive and participatory reporting. Programs such as Documenters, which involve community members in documenting public meetings, underline the need for journalism to be more collaborative and responsive to community voices. As these grassroots efforts take shape, they present alternative ways for local journalism to serve diverse demographics effectively, reaching audiences who may not be served well by traditional media. The emphasis is on an engaged journalism model that fosters local conversations and encourages active citizen participation.
Evolving Media Models and Collaboration
The podcast discusses a shift from competition to collaboration within local journalism, suggesting that partnerships among various types of media outlets can be beneficial for sustainability. New revenue models and community connections are critical for sustaining media organizations that historically operated independently. Collaborations can also take the form of shared resources and joint storytelling efforts, streamlining operations and enhancing coverage. By breaking down traditional barriers, the media landscape can adapt to meet contemporary needs, allowing for a healthier ecosystem that mirrors the communities they serve.
Youth Engagement and the Future of Journalism
The future of journalism is closely tied to engaging young people, who are potential future journalists and informed citizens. Programs and initiatives that empower students to take part in journalistic practices can enhance their understanding of democracy and civic responsibility. Furthermore, there is an emphasis on the need for young voices in the media landscape, allowing for a diversity of perspectives that reflect a broader array of experiences. As youth navigate the digital information age, their active participation in local journalism can foster more informed communities and inspire them to advocate for truth and transparency.
Across America, we\'re still in the middle of a great re-making of the news industry. The decline that began several years ago hasn\'t abated, but new models of journalism are beginning to take root, many of them organized as nonprofits. Much of that growth is fueled by a new philanthropic collaborative. According to its website, \"Press Forward is a national coalition investing more than $500 million to strengthen local newsrooms, close longstanding gaps in journalism coverage, advance public policy that expands access to local news, and to scale the infrastructure the sector needs to thrive.\"\r\n\r\nWhen Dale Anglin took the helm of Press Forward as its inaugural director, she spoke about the importance of proximity. \"We know proximity supports trust building,\" she said. \"Local journalism is proximity. It provides knowledge and information that's not only important for quality-of-life decisions but also can serve as a powerful mechanism for motivating people to take action.\"\r\n\r\nAs part of the City Club\'s 2024 Annual Meeting, and at a moment when voters prepare for one of the most consequential elections in a generation, Anglin joins City Club CEO Dan Moulthrop for a conversation about the state of free speech, the news industry, and access to information across our communities.
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