Local journalism plays a key role supporting a thriving democracy: It can drive voter turnout and educate voters about the issues and candidates they’re voting on, build trust and cohesion within communities, and act as a key check on government power.
However, in recent years, the local journalism field has faced deep challenges. Many local papers have closed, leaving their communities without access to trusted information. And even at many remaining papers, overstretched staff don’t have the time or resources to produce reporting on democracy issues that meets their communities’ needs. Meanwhile, as the internet and social media reshape our information landscape and mis- and dis-information spread like wildfire, access to trustworthy local news is more important than ever for our democracy’s health.
With support from philanthropy, a stronger local news ecosystem is rising, driven by new business models, enhanced collaboration, and innovative approaches to meet the needs of different communities. Join the Democracy Funders Network and Media Impact Funders to learn more about the promising solutions in this space. How can philanthropy ensure every community has access to local news and information? How can we ensure that newsrooms are able to cover democracy issues well? What would a thriving news ecosystem for the 21st century look like?
Featured Speakers:
- Jennifer Brandel, Co-Creator, Democracy SOS
- Sue Cross, Executive Director & CEO, Institute for Nonprofit News
- Angelica Das, Associate Director, Public Square Program, Democracy Fund
- Jessica Huseman, Editorial Director, Votebeat