Press Forward’s Post

Check out this insightful op-ed article by Sherrell Dorsey exploring how Press Forward is investing over $500 million to enhance diversity in journalism. They aim to empower diverse voices, strengthen local newsrooms, close journalism gaps, and advance public policy for better access to local news. Read more: bit.ly/42E0ocy #SupportBlackOwnedMedia #PressForward #DiversityInJournalism

The Association of Alternative Newsmedia (AAN) has recently expanded its network by welcoming six new affiliate members, marking a significant enhancement to its diverse and dynamic ensemble. Among the new inclusions are Dallas Weekly, renowned for its seven-decade-long commitment to Black cultural and social news in North Texas, and The Tucson Sentinel, celebrated for its meticulous local and regional reportage. These organizations join alongside YellowScene Magazine, The Appeal, The Frisc, and Open Vallejo, each contributing distinct perspectives and unparalleled dedication to quality journalism. Dallas Weekly brings a multimedia approach to its audience and advertisers, while The Tucson Sentinel excels in depth and dedication in reporting. The addition of YellowScene Magazine and The Appeal, from Colorado and California respectively, emphasizes AAN’s support for digital-only and specialized topic news outlets, highlighting critical issues such as criminal justice reform and social justice. The Frisc and Open Vallejo further diversify the AAN network, with the former offering insightful coverage on San Francisco’s urban dynamics and the latter showcasing impactful investigative journalism in Vallejo. This expansion reflects AAN’s commitment to fostering independent journalism and promoting diverse cultural coverage across the United States. The inclusion of these members not only strengthens the AAN’s network but also underlines the vital role of independent journalism in enhancing public discourse. Business executives are invited to share their views on how this diversification within AAN’s network could influence the landscape of media, advertising opportunities, and the broader discourse on independent journalism. #Iamdw #blackpress #alternativejournalism #localnews #independentmedia #journalismnetwork #diversevoices

📣 What if the future of local news was vibrant, powered by public-private partnerships and government funding? Wisconsin is leading with groundbreaking legislation that could serve as a blueprint for states like Kansas and Missouri. Spearheaded by Rep. Jimmy Anderson, alongside Rep. Jodi Emerson and Sen. Mark Spreitzer, Wisconsin's bold legislative package aims to revitalize local journalism through innovative funding models. This package, including a $20-million Civic Information Consortium Board, journalism fellowships at the University of Wisconsin, and tax credits for news subscribers, addresses the critical industry crisis. With support from the Wisconsin Newspaper Association, these initiatives are a significant step towards transforming local news into a sustainable, essential pillar of democracy. As we face the reality that a quarter of America's newspapers have disappeared in the last 20 years, leaving many in 'news deserts,' Wisconsin's efforts offer hope. This is more than preserving journalism; it's about fortifying our communities against misinformation and disconnection. Let's envision a future where similar measures in Kansas, Missouri, and beyond ensure that local news not only survives but thrives. #LocalNews #Innovation #PublicPrivatePartnership #Democracy The Kansas City Beacon, The Wichita Beacon Wisconsin Watch

I had the privilege of collaborating with The Objective over the past few months to highlight the growth and innovation of the civic media field. For the final piece, we put out a call to action for journalists, funders, policymakers, and more to get organized to accomplish big things. "A new media movement in the United States is overdue; and we need to build one that is collaborative, equitable, and premised on the belief of treating journalism as the public good it is. One that focuses not on saving what we’ve lost, but building something we’ve never had. That requires imagination, experimentation and looking back to our history: new approaches to how journalism is practiced, how it is funded, whose voices are heard, and rethinking how public policy must ensure we have a thriving, public interest media system in support of a healthy, multiracial democracy." https://lnkd.in/e_axymxe

PROTECT LOCAL MEDIA, PRESERVE COMMUNITY POWER ⚠️  In a world where independent journalism is under threat, our campaign aims to raise awareness about the critical role of local media and the urgent need for policy change. Through thought-provoking articles, engaging social media posts, and powerful slogans like "Where did all the jobs go? You asked too late." "How will you know if it's true?" and "Who will investigate for you?" we highlight the real-life consequences of losing local media. Our campaign emphasises the invaluable contributions of local journalists, the importance of diverse representation in the media, and the essential role local media plays in fostering transparency, accountability, cohesion and informed civic participation. By uniting communities, universities, students, and businesses in the fight to safeguard local media, we aim to ignite a collective effort to advocate for policy reforms that support the sustainability and vitality of independent journalism. Together, let's protect local media and preserve our collective voice. https://buff.ly/3y1IhBY

"When it comes to local news and the future of the industry, we may be emphasizing the wrong things, such as brand recognition or even the consequences our democracy faces with journalism’s decline. The focus should be on providing quality information that communities need and want." That’s what Nikki Usher, associate professor at the University of San Diego, drew from 17 contributions in a recent issue of the ANNALS of The American Academy of Political and Social Science. A few highlighted articles: 💡 Sewell Chan of The Texas Tribune points out how "the stakes are too high" for journalists to sidestep debates on federal media policy, even if it’s uncomfortable to take a stance or imagine the possibility of relying on the institutions they aim to hold accountable. 💡 Sullivan Margaret of The Guardian US and the Newmark Center at Columbia Journalism School makes the case for “national legislation to support the sustainability of journalism, media literacy education for adults and youth, and subsidies to newsrooms via state universities.” 💡 Lourdes Cueva Chacón of San Diego State University and Jessica Retis of the University of Arizona spotlight how #nonprofitnews outlets — including Documented, El Tímpano and Conecta Arizona — are using text and mobile messaging to connect Latino, Spanish-speaking and new immigrant communities with #localnews. Check out the full article from Usher for a deeper dive into the research:

We know there's plenty of money in politics. But you don't need a pile of cash to rally stakeholders to your cause and make change at the ballot box. Check out my article and all the excellent pieces in the latest issue of American Habits (linked in comments)

How to do local journalism ?

Newsrooms of the future will look different than #newsrooms of the past. But the same principles of good journalism will always apply. ✅ Trust is earned ✅ Do rigorous reporting — there's a difference between covering someone/something and talking about it ✅ Be correct every day ✅ Have rigorous editorial processes to ensure you get everything right ✅ Fact-check every detail ✅ Own up to mistakes when you get anything wrong ✅ Be transparent about processes and ethics ✅ Explain the who, what, where, when, why, and how of story production ✅ Be objective and subject all sides to the same equal interrogation of positions and statements — this leads to the truth ✅ Ask the right questions — challenging questions, rigorous questions ✅ Focus on the unexciting topics that are most important to the public interest ✅ Drill down on the things that matter The current news and journalism ecosystem in the United States is not working well. The good news is that every American can help transform journalism and strengthen the news industry. We can restore faith in journalism. We can create more connected communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. The way we get there will require some paradigm shifts in #journalism and #education. It starts with #localnews. Those shifts are in motion and getting stronger. Those shifts will create positive ripples in the world. I launched a weekly newsletter to talk about those paradigm shifts and provide actionable ideas on how you and your community can grow. The newsletter is called The Community Builder. Our first edition examines the local news crisis and what can be done to ensure that quality local journalism remains in your community. Read: https://lnkd.in/gxgXmtw8 Subscribe to The Community Builder newsletter: https://lnkd.in/gAgfngq7 McKnight Foundation John S. Knight Journalism Fellowships at Stanford Knight Foundation Institute for Nonprofit News Glen Nelson Center at American Public Media Group Press Forward Silvia R. Kathy Im Jim Brady Democracy Fund The Joyce Foundation Annie E. Casey Foundation Tonya Allen Tanner Curl Elizabeth Dunbar Djordje Padejski David Cohn David Gehring Marc Lavallee Tim Murphy, MBA Tracie Powell The Pivot Fund André Natta Andrew Haeg Charlie Rybak Phillip Smith Jordan Peacock Holly Kleppe World Savvy Strong Mind Strong Body Foundation Whitney McKinley Molly Carina Dengler Molly de Aguiar Jill Geisler Jason Feifer Antonio Tijerino Anthony De Rosa Alan Murray Amy Webb Jordan Hoffner