The Challenge
Journalism is facing a crisis of economic sustainability and public trust. As digital platforms undermine traditional revenue models, many newsrooms are consolidating or closing, leaving gaps in local coverage. This consolidation and the growing influence of wealthy owners raise concerns about independence and fairness, depriving communities of the local journalism essential for civic engagement and accountability. Luce’s Interim President, Sean Buffington, spoke with Darryl Holliday, co-founder of City Bureau, and Mike Rispoli, senior director at Free Press, about their efforts in boosting local journalism in the video below. 

The Future of Journalism Is Community-Based

Why Supporting Civic-Driven Local Journalism Matters
Leaders in civic media are creating innovative models to redefine journalism as a public good. Holliday and Rispoli envision journalism not as a vehicle for profit but as an essential service that meets the civic information needs of diverse communities. This public-interest approach promotes local accountability, informs underserved populations, and strengthens democracy from the grassroots level.

The Solution: Civic Media and Public Support
At the core of Holliday and Rispoli’s vision is “civic media,” a community-centered approach that prioritizes information essential for local civic life. This model isn’t just about disseminating news; it’s about empowering communities to take an active role in the media landscape. Examples include:

  • City Bureau’s Documenters Program: In Chicago, the City Bureau trains residents to attend public meetings and document the actions of local governance bodies. This effort holds public officials accountable and brings residents into the process, fostering community engagement and transparency in public policy.
  • The New Jersey Civic Information Consortium: Rispoli’s Free Press supported this initiative, which allocates state funding to address information gaps in underrepresented communities across New Jersey. With a focus on historically underserved populations, this consortium funds journalism projects that promote civic engagement and ensure all voices are represented in public discourse.

The Bigger Picture: Transforming Rather Than Fixing
Holliday and Rispoli’s approach is about more than fixing journalism; it’s about transforming it. In their “Roadmap for Local News,” co-authored with Elizabeth Green of Chalkbeat, they advocate shifting away from commercial, profit-driven news models and embracing journalism that serves community needs and prioritizes public accountability. This reimagined model, dubbed “civic media,” includes journalists, educators, librarians, and community leaders as integral players in the information ecosystem.

The Road Ahead
As traditional revenue models for journalism decline, community-supported civic media offers a potential solution. However, philanthropy alone is insufficient; Holliday and Rispoli highlight the necessity of public funding and media policy reform for sustainability.

  • Public funding as a pillar of media sustainability: Drawing on historical examples such as the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and public access channels, advocates argue for a renewed government investment in local news. This funding and support from organizations like the New Jersey Consortium are essential for expanding non-commercial media and ensuring that underserved communities receive better representation.
  • Building a media system for a multiracial democracy: As the U.S. becomes increasingly diverse, Holliday and Rispoli highlight the importance of a media system that reflects and serves a multiracial democracy. This system must effectively address all communities’ needs— from rural areas to urban neighborhoods—by empowering them to shape their narratives and engage actively in the democratic process.

Why This Matters Now
Community-centered journalism offers a compelling alternative to the current crisis of public trust in mainstream media. Holliday and Rispoli aim to create a more equitable, transparent, and inclusive media landscape by advocating for civic media. This initiative redefines journalism as a community service, transforming news from a commercial product into a tool that empowers citizens, promotes democratic engagement, and supports resilient communities.