Community Journalism in Action: AfroLA Steps Up Amid Disaster

When Dana Amihere (she/her) touched down in Los Angeles after a planned holiday break, she found herself returning to a city grappling with crisis. Fires had ravaged communities, forcing evacuations and leaving countless residents displaced. Within hours of her arrival, Amihere, founder and executive director of AfroLA, opened her home to a friend who had beenContinue reading “Community Journalism in Action: AfroLA Steps Up Amid Disaster”

Digital Dominance: How Social Media Redefines Journalism

The role of social media and digital platforms remains contested in some journalism circles, but the latest Pew Research Center report makes it clear: when it comes to legacy versus digital media, digital has won. Digital platforms and social media are now Americans’ dominant news sources. According to Pew, 86% of adults “sometimes” get newsContinue reading “Digital Dominance: How Social Media Redefines Journalism”

El Tecolote: A Story of Journalism Rooted in Community

In today’s world, journalism isn’t just about telling stories—it’s about building trust, creating lasting connections, and standing up for the communities we serve. No one knows this better than El Tecolote, a bilingual newspaper that’s been part of San Francisco’s Mission District for over 50 years. They’ve made it their mission to offer more than just news—they’re amplifyingContinue reading “El Tecolote: A Story of Journalism Rooted in Community”

INN explains why we should embrace news as a public good. DIY

By Tracie Powell In her essay, What if we embraced news as a public good?, Coutney Lewis of the Institute for Nonprofit News (INN) makes a compelling case that newspapers’ past glory days as commercial products have us chasing the wrong metrics for the news industry’s future.  If, instead of focusing on revenue and audience size, weContinue reading “INN explains why we should embrace news as a public good. DIY”

What Makes The Pivot Fund Research Unique

It’s become increasingly clear that critical civic news is failing to reach many of the communities who need it most. Traditional journalism struggles to engage audiences, with many Americans avoiding national news outlets and opting out of subscriptions to local and national newspapers. Yet, the demand for reliable, timely information has never been higher.  AsContinue reading “What Makes The Pivot Fund Research Unique”

America’s Electoral Crisis: The Local News Disconnect

Despite extensive media coverage of the 2024 presidential campaign, much of it failed to connect with the public in meaningful ways. By the time the final ballot was cast on election night, it was clear that many Americans had hardly paid attention. Just consider the election-day spike in online searches asking, “Did Joe Biden dropContinue reading “America’s Electoral Crisis: The Local News Disconnect”

How Funders Can Advance Local News by Investing in Infrastructure

Investing in the infrastructure of local news organizations is essential for ensuring their long-term success, sustainability, and resilience. Funders understand that a strong infrastructure serves as the backbone for local journalism, providing the foundation that enables newsrooms to deliver accurate, relevant, and timely information to their communities. These investments often go far beyond just providingContinue reading “How Funders Can Advance Local News by Investing in Infrastructure”

HR 9495: What You Can Do Now, No Matter What Happens

Hey Nonprofit Newsleaders, You may be keeping an eye on HR 9495—and for good reason. This bill,passed by the House today, could give the Treasury Department unprecedented power to revoke nonprofit status without the usual checks and balances. That’s a serious threat to our missions, especially for publishers of color working hard to serve theirContinue reading “HR 9495: What You Can Do Now, No Matter What Happens”

The Role of Data Journalism in Strengthening Community Impact

Dear Founders and Publishers, As we move past the 2024 election season, one thing remains clear: data continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the conversation. Local newsrooms, especially those led by BIPOC communities, are increasingly turning to data journalism to provide deeper insights into community issues. But what exactly is data journalism, andContinue reading “The Role of Data Journalism in Strengthening Community Impact”