Press Forward: A $500 Million Leap into Local Journalism
Well, well, well, look who’s making headlines! No, it’s not another celebrity scandal or the latest TikTok dance craze; it’s Press Forward, a $500 million initiative dedicated to giving local journalism the reboot it desperately needs. And you thought your last haircut was a transformative moment?
Big Bucks for Small Newsrooms
On October 16, 2024, Press Forward dropped a hefty $20 million like it’s a hot mic at an open mic night, funding a staggering 205 small local news organizations across the U.S. Why? Because let’s face it: the supply of reliable, fact-based local news has been plummeting faster than your friend’s New Year’s resolutions.
A Quirky Quartet from Washington
Among the lucky recipients who struck gold in this editorial lottery, we have a fabulous four from Washington state:
- Chinese Radio Seattle: Because who doesn’t love a little Chinese gossip with their morning tea?
- The JOLT: The Journal of Olympia, Lacey & Tumwater: Bringing you the scoop on everything from local government to the latest hotdog stands.
- Future Tides: Eager to navigate the sometimes murky waters of the Pacific Northwest’s maritime landscape.
- RANGE Media: Focusing on the underrepresented voices because even the smallest whispers need a megaphone.
When Local News Dropped the Ball
The decline of reputable local journalism isn’t a mere hiccup—it’s a full-on chokehold that’s put democracy in a headlock. With social polarization rising and disinformation spreading quicker than a cat meme, these funds aren’t just about journalism’s survival; they’re a lifeline to the quality information that makes a community breathe.
Reinventing the Local News Playbook
Dale R. Anglin, the big cheese at Press Forward, said it best: “These news organizations are proof that we are in a transformative moment.” Right, Dale! It’s like a superhero team-up, but instead of capes, they wield microphones and pens—much less laundry to do, and no suspicious spandex.
Building a Network of Independent Voices
With the volume of high-quality proposals that rolled in, Press Forward decided, “Why not double down?” It’s now funded twice the number of news organizations originally planned. The resulting network is a new cadre of independent, nonpartisan news sources redefining what local news actually means. And let’s be honest, local news has been in desperate need of a makeover—think of it like a prime-time reality show, but with fewer catfights and more town hall meetings.
The Road Ahead: Supporting the Unsung Heroes
This funding isn’t just some cash-grab. It’s a signal that local journalism matters and that these organizations are vital public servants, dishing out trusted local news where no one else dares to tread. Press Forward is urging communities to subscribe and donate because let’s face it, if we don’t support them, who will? Probably the same people who forget your birthday every year.
Press Forward: A National Movement
To sum it all up, Press Forward is more than just a charitable initiative; it’s a national movement aimed at resurrecting local journalism. With over $500 million on the table, they’re not just throwing money around like confetti—they’re laying down a foundation for a stronger, more informed democracy. Eager to find out more? Check out their website for the complete list of winners and to stay updated on the seismic shifts in your local news landscape.
Press Forward, a $500 million initiative dedicated to reinventing local journalism, has announced its first batch of funded news organizations.
On Wednesday, October 16, 2024, Press Forward awarded grants to 205 small local news organizations across the United States, including four in Washington state. These first recipients of Press Forward funding will share $20 million in funding to fill long-standing reporting gaps.
Funded news organizations from Washington state include:
● Chinese Radio Seattle Seattle Chinese Radio
● The JOLT: The Journal of Olympia, Lacey & Tumwater
● Future Tides
● RANGE Media
Press Forward is a national movement working to strengthen democracy by revitalizing local news and information. To view the complete list of winners, please visit pressforward.news/grantees 。
The supply of reliable, fact-based local news in the United States has declined steadily and dramatically in recent years, tied to growing threats to democracy, social polarization, and the spread of disinformation.
At the same time, more than a decade of investment in innovation and change in journalism has resulted in new models and solutions ready to be rolled out on a larger scale, and a new crop of leaders are poised to reimagine and revitalize the field. Press Forward partners move from individual funding strategies to a shared vision and coordinated action.
Due to the high volume of high-quality proposals received, Press Forward funded twice the number of news organizations originally planned in its first public call for funding. These award-winning organizations form a network of independent, nonpartisan news sources that are redefining what local news looks like across the United States.
“These news organizations are proof that we are in a transformative moment, where leaders old and new, working together, are creating an entirely new narrative for local news,” said Press Forward Director Dale R. Anglin. “Every news organization performs a vital public service role in its community – providing trusted local news and information where no other news source exists. Independent news organizations need the support of their communities to survive. We want more More people can subscribe and donate to these news organizations.”
This grant from Press Forward is more than just money; it is a symbol of a national funder’s investment in these local news organizations and, ultimately, care for Washington state and its residents. To see the full list, visit pressforward.news/grantees.
About Press Forward:
Press Forward is a national movement working to strengthen democracy by revitalizing local news and information. The coalition of foundations plans to invest more than $500 million to strengthen local news organizations, close chronic gaps in news coverage, advance public policies that expand access to local news, and expand the infrastructure the journalism industry needs. For more information, visit pressforward.news and to view the full list of winners, visit pressforward.news/grantees.
About Seattle Chinese Radio:
Chinese Radio Seattle is an independently operated radio station that has been broadcasting since June 25, 2012. In addition to daily radio programs, Seattle Chinese Radio also has an official website, mobile app, YouTube channel, Spotify channel, social media, and print and digital versions of the Seattle Chinese Monthly magazine. Seattle Chinese Radio is the cultural and social center for the Asian/Chinese community in the greater Seattle area. Its mission is to serve as a bridge between Eastern and Western cultures, a bridge between Chinese in the United States and mainstream American society, and a voice for the Chinese community, serving the Chinese/Asian community in the greater Seattle area, Washington State, and the United States. For more information, please visit: www.chineseradioseattle.com.
关于The JOLT: The Journal of Olympia, Lacey & Tumwater：
The JOLT helps Thurston County residents better understand local issues, events and the stories behind them by publishing accurate, relevant and entertaining news to engage and empower the community. Its regular coverage covers government, environment, schools, businesses, housing, nonprofits and local events. All news is provided free of charge. For more information, please visittheJOLTnews.com。
About Future Tides:
Future Tides reports on how people work, live and play on the Pacific Northwest’s waterways to help maritime communities prepare for the challenges of the future. Since its launch in 2021, Future Tides has broken down industry barriers with audience-driven journalism and revealed the region’s modern maritime communities through innovative tours. Future Tides’ vision is to be the center of a more collaborative, sustainable and equitable maritime community. For more information, please visitfuturetides.org。
About RANGE Media:RANGE is a local, independent, employee-owned news organization serving Spokane County with a focus on communities that are not adequately covered, reached or represented by traditional media. The news organization is anti-racist, equity-focused and class-focused, highlighting the perspectives and expertise of members of marginalized communities and providing tools to help them engage with institutions of power and advocate for their needs. For more information, please visitrangemedia.co。
Press release October 16, 2024 (Chinese version)
Contact person:
Cara Kuhlman，Future Tides（[email protected]）
Xiaoyaun Su, Chinese Radio Seattle（[email protected]）
Marika Lynch，Press Forward（[email protected]）
