Wrote this piece about the benefits that cities reap from local journalism for the German Marshall Fund, where I'm currently a Visiting Fellow. gmfus.org/news/cities-be…

Getting so close to a real breakthrough. The next few days will determine whether we can save local news in NY

Rebuild Local News strongly endorses the The FCC’s proposal for prioritizing license renewal for TV and radio stations that provide local journalism and other local programming. We also provide additional ideas on how the FCC could help local news.

rebuildlocalnews.org/how-the-fcc-co…

'The most ambitious package of local journalism policy,' says Anna Brugmann Rebuild Local News, about the result of the bipartisan Illinois Local Journalism Task Force.

localnewsinitiative.northwestern.edu/posts/2024/02/… by Mark Caro

Illinois' State Senator Steve Stadelman has introduced the most sweeping legislation in the nation to help local struggling news outlets. It would require Big Tech to compensate local news orgs, provides tax breaks and creates a new journalism scholarship program.
localnewsinitiative.northwestern.edu/posts/2024/02/…

At ⁦Local Media Association⁩ summit in Austin, ⁦Jim Brady⁩ of ⁦Knight Foundation⁩ tells ⁦Nancy Lane⁩ that despite recent layoffs, he’s more encouraged about local news now than 5 years ago. And he says “Press Forward” will begin accepting proposals soon.

1/ American local news has its challenges but it is a vibrant, important, diverse & creative tapestry of talent, determination, & commitment to communities & to truth.

The Lenfest Institute for Journalism & Aspen Digital brought together 80 news organizations…

Urgent words from Penny Muse Abernathy in her Medill Local News Initiative Northwestern Medill column: 'The actions we collectively take over the next couple of years will determine whether we can revitalize and refurbish our local news ecosystem.'
localnewsinitiative.northwestern.edu/posts/2024/01/…

Illinois has lost 85% of its newspaper journalists since 2005, the highest percentage in the nation, and 232 newspapers. The Medill Local News Initiative Northwestern Medill worked with the Illinois Local Journalism Task Force this past year on ways to address this crisis.
localnewsinitiative.northwestern.edu/posts/2024/01/…

It was an honor for the Medill Local News Initiative Northwestern Medill to work with the bipartisan Illinois Local Journalism Task Force and State Senator Steve Stadelman on ways to help strengthen local news. Illinois will soon join the ranks of those considering legislation.
localnewsinitiative.northwestern.edu/posts/2024/01/…

This is fantastic. Jessica Rosenworcel, chair of the The FCC, proposed that in renewing TV broadcast licenses the FCC should give priority to stations that create local news & other local programming (something Rebuild Local News has been advocating) docs.fcc.gov/public/attachm… @JRosenworcel

As the American Journalism Project approaches its 4th birthday, the nonprofit local news sector remains in its 'early days,' with many years still needed to fill the voids left by failing legacy news organizations. Rick Edmonds Poynter American Journalism Project poynter.org/commentary/202…

Best of luck with this next phase, Paul. Thanks for all you done to cover media, and especially the issues confronting local journalism and local journalists, for the Post.

Penny Muse Abernathy Angela Fu And for Michael Bolden 🏳️‍🌈, it's PF, to. 'While many questions remain about the funding itself, and the equity of distribution, this most certainly is driving momentum in the right direction at a critical time for journalism and freedom of the press in the United States.'

About 20 states and cities have either introduced or adopted legislation to help local news, according to a new Medill Local News Initiative Northwestern Medill report. The legislation includes things like tax credits, vouchers, reporting fellowships and grants.
localnewsinitiative.northwestern.edu/posts/2023/12/…

Q: 'Tipping Point for Public Support?' asks a great piece by Laura Colarusso Medill Local News Initiative. A: getting close! Now recognition that a) biz model changes & philanthropy won't be enough & b) there ARE policy approches that preserve editorial independence.
localnewsinitiative.northwestern.edu/posts/2023/12/…

Pretty cool way to end the academic year with an interview from Medill Local News Initiative about #broadband and #BEAD . Thank you Penny Muse Abernathy Sarah Stonbely for the opportunity! localnewsinitiative.northwestern.edu/research/state…

LaSharah S. Bunting Institute for Nonprofit News Thank you. Thank you.

'Threading the Seattle Needle': In this State of Local News Bright Spot, Penny Muse Abernathy talks with The Seattle Times CEO/Publisher Frank Blethen about how his for-profit paper attracts philanthropic support for coverage that doesn't yield business revenue. localnewsinitiative.northwestern.edu/projects/state…

.Mike Blinder of Editor & Publisher (E&P) Magazine breaks down the Northwestern Medill 2023 State of Local News Report and the future of local journalism with Penny Muse Abernathy and Tim Franklin. editorandpublisher.com/stories/unpack…