Rebuild Local News

The Public Policy Forum's new report "The Lost Estate" outlines a bold roadmap for revitalizing local news. It champions community-driven journalism and calls for decisive support from government and philanthropy. "This report focuses on viable answers. In so doing, our core principle is that local news must be just that: local, meaning it is produced by people in the community for other people in the community. It makes a world of difference when news operations are owned and operated by people who are close to the readers and advertisers on which they depend." Learn More: https://lnkd.in/gbArJUns #Canada #LocalNews #Journalism #Media #Legislation #Philanthropy

Advertising subsidies for small businesses in Meriden, Connecticut; Taos, New Mexico; and Henrico, Virginia are proving a win‐win strategy—boosting revenue while revitalizing local newsrooms. Learn how these innovative partnerships empower small cities. https://lnkd.in/gz9_rQQ7 #Connecticut #NewMexico #Virginia #Advertising #Revenue #Media #Journalism #LocalNews

We're hiring a Director of Campaigns & Partnerships! If you have experience advocating in state legislatures and a strong political background, join us in leading bipartisan efforts to advance First Amendment–friendly policies that support local news. Apply Now: https://lnkd.in/g4BMwn4B #Hiring #Jobs #Nonprofit #Remote #ApplyNow #Advocacy

Latest: The New Jersey Civic Information Consortium has published a comprehensive report aimed at states and organizations working to rebuild local news. The report covers the Consortium’s founding, funding, operational strategies, and future plans. Formed in 2018 with bipartisan support, the Consortium’s mission is to reinvigorate New Jersey’s news landscape through innovative funding and community-driven initiatives. With nearly $9 million in grants awarded, the Consortium is actively supporting sustainable journalism and strengthening democracy across the state. Key Takeaways from the Study: ▪️ Innovative, systematic approach: The Consortium employs a three-phase strategy—ideation, experimentation, and scaling—supporting grantees in developing sustainable journalism models and leveraging technology to meet community needs. ▪️ Grassroots impact: Nearly half of NJCIC’s grants support BIPOC-led organizations, empowering underserved communities, addressing news deserts, and amplifying diverse voices. ▪️ Economic revitalization: NJCIC funding reinvests in local communities by supporting locally owned news outlets, creating jobs, and fostering civic engagement through initiatives like voter guides and community events. ▪️ National leadership: NJCIC’s groundbreaking model serves as a beacon for other states, combining public funding with operational independence and innovative partnerships. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/g-AnpiBD #NewJersey #Media #Journalism #LocalNews #Civic #Report

What an honor to be in this group focused on the most important thing: creating more jobs for human beings to do local journalism.

✨ Congratulations ✨ to WURD Radio's President and CEO Sara M. Lomax to joining the Rebuild Local News advisory board. Her experience in amplifying local news as leader of one of the country's few independent Black talk radio stations will be invaluable ✊🏾

Join us for our upcoming webinar "Homegrown Advertising: A look at the research findings on small news publisher advertising!" 📣 In just one week, we’re hosting a webinar to discuss key insights from our Homegrown Advertising report, developed in partnership with Tiny News Collective. The report dives into how independent news publishers are driving ad revenue growth despite industry challenges. Our Policy Manager Lori Henson and TNC's Madison Karas will present the key takeaways from our national survey and explore how publishers are innovating in advertising while addressing organizational and tech hurdles. When? Tuesday, Feb., 11, at 12 p.m. PST / 3 p.m. EST Register Now: https://lnkd.in/eHjsyXHF Read the Report: https://lnkd.in/eQ7zza8j #Advertising #Revenue #Publishers #Media #LocalNews #Journalism

We are thrilled to announce that former California Senator Steven M. Glazer and Matt Pearce, former President of the Media Guild of the West, have joined our team as Senior Advisor and Senior Policy Advisor, respectively. Sen. Glazer’s leadership in local news policy, including creating the California Local News Fellowship and authoring SB1327, will help us secure critical legislative support. Matt Pearce’s work championing journalism funding in California positions us to continue advocating for a more resilient local news ecosystem. We’re also pleased to welcome these distinguished individuals to our advisory board: ▪️ Emily Bradbury, Executive Director, Kansas Press Association ▪️ Judi Terzotis, CEO, Georges Media Group ▪️ Anna Draffin, Former CEO, Public Interest Journalism Initiative ▪️ S. Mitra Kalita, Co-founder/CEO, URL Media ▪️ Sara M. Lomax, President/CEO, WURD Radio ▪️ Scott Yates, Founder, Journal List As we work toward securing meaningful local news legislation, this expanded leadership team positions us to seize this critical moment for journalism. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/g8cBN3WF #California #Media #Journalism #LocalNews #Legislation #Nonprofit

ICYMI: Last week, Rebuild Local News founder Steven Waldman testified in favor of Maryland's latest bill, HB 51, which would require a 120-day notice before selling local news outlets, giving communities the chance to keep local news in local hands. "The proposal by Delegates Lehman, Bagnall, Fair, Foley, Ruth, Solomon, and Terrasa is a common sense idea to help achieve that goal. It would give the community the chance to organize," Waldman said. "And by community I mean foundations, local business people, employees, nonprofit organizations, public radio and even the government – anyone who cares about the health of their community." Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gXd3BPcX #Maryland #LocalNews #Media #Journalism #Policy #Ownership

Exciting news for small businesses and local newsrooms in New York! Senator Monica R. Martinez and Assemblymember Jennifer Lunsford have introduced the LOCAL Act, which would provide a tax credit for small businesses that advertise in local media. This legislation will help small businesses maximize their advertising dollars while supporting local journalism across the state. “Small businesses are centers of our communities, built upon relationships with neighbors,” said Sen. Martinez. “The LOCAL Act will strengthen those ties by making it easier to connect to local customers through the trusted media deeply rooted in the places they serve. This legislation fosters a cycle of growth, allowing small businesses to expand their reach while investing in the media outlets that keep New Yorkers informed and engaged.” Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gqeCc4Y4 #NewYork #Advertising #Revenue #Media #Journalism #LocalNews #SmallBusiness