Vancouver Foundation’s Post

What are the barriers for funders interested in supporting media and journalism? How can donors help give local journalists a voice? A recent report “Unlocking U.S. Audience Demand for International News,” by Media Impact Funders explores the topics of media literacy, international journalism capacity, and the need for local expertise in journalism.  Key findings from the study of 1,200 U.S.-based adults show a substantial demand for local journalism that is precise, dignified, and representative, moving away from stereotypical and negative narratives.  Explore who is funding journalism and how you can contribute to this vital cause. By investing in local reporters and fostering partnerships, we can meet the growing demand for ethical, accurate news and support the crucial role of journalism in our society. 📖 Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/ep8fWHQF #LocalJournalism #MediaLiteracy #GivingCompass #Philanthropy #MediaImpactFunders #EthicalJournalism #CommunitySupport

A key aspect of community engagement centers on people being able to access information easily and efficiently via local news platforms. Recent research out of Northwestern's State of Local News Project provides a county-by-county snapshot of media outlets across the nation showing how levels of affluence affect access to local journalism. Checked my own experience on this map to see how it tracked — when I worked as a fulltime journalism teacher in uber-affluent Silicon Valley (median 2022 household income, per U.S. census report = ~ $153,000), my immediate surrounding county (Santa Clara county) shows 23 local news outlets. Compare that to my current home of Winnebago County in Illinois (median 2022 household income, per U.S. census report = ~ $61,000): 8 news outlets — primarily broadcast, but also a legacy newspaper a step away from extinction. In the short term, agree that philanthropy may be the necessary stop-gap support required to sustain the "fire line" to slow loss and attrition of local news outlets and help keep local journalism alive, while we collectively figure out a better, sustainable economic model for journalism in years ahead

There are gaps in support to enable exiled media to thrive. ↔️ We hosted a panel at the prestigious International Journalism Festival, bringing together media experts and exiled journalists to explore the tipping points for being forced to flee and ways to help media prepare to leave their home countries. During the panel, Internews Europe CEO Meera Selva shared her thoughts on whether donors and the international community are responding effectively to the complex needs of exiled media. ⤵️ #IJF24

How can we report on complex challenges in an understandable and in-depth way? How can we create dialogue and integrate different perspectives? How can we perceive the future with optimism in the face of crises, disasters and wars, find solutions and empower people? How can we arouse positive emotions and promote pro-social behavior? One answer to these questions is: with Constructive Journalism! Over the next few days (3 - 5 October 2024), the b° future festival in Bonn, organized by the Bonn Institute will be all about constructive, future- and solution-oriented reporting. I am looking forward to inspiration, ideas, solutions, diversity of perspectives, and new connections with numerous committed people on one of my research topics - Constructive Journalism! #bff24

The #UgandaMediaWeek conference provides a space for journalists, media professionals, and all stakeholders to come together and discuss the future of journalism. We know that by doing so, we build a stronger, more accountable media environment, where every voice matters. As we approach #UgandaMediaWeek2024, we are reminded of the vital role safe and secure platforms play in promoting freedom of expression. The words of Maxence Melo (Maxence Melo Mubyazi) from Jamii Forums (JamiiForums) resonate deeply: "We build safe, secure platforms that help citizens exercise their right to freedom of expression and hold meaningful, honest conversations." #MediaMattersUG #UgandaMediaWeek

Fascinating presentation by Steven Waldman at the University of Nevada Reynolds School of Journalism Scripps Dinner re: the urgent need to rebuild local news. Since 2011, there are 60% fewer full time reporters in the US, and thousands of publishers have gone out of business, leaving ever widening news deserts in their wake. Today, half of the daily newspaper circulation in America are owned by hedge funds or private equity firms. The dramatic demise of local news outlets has wide-ranging effects on communities: Less civic engagement by residents, leading to more local corruption and increased polarization. Decreases in local investment, and even increased pollution. A combination of policy, philanthropy and innovation are helping to fill the local news void. There's a lot of work that needs to be done...and it's vital to the health and well-being of communities across our fruited plains. For more information, follow Steven Waldman here: https://lnkd.in/dhDWhqzz #journalism #news #localnews #reporting #democracy

The Compass magazine, by the Association of Professional Futurists - APF recently featured Riane Eisler and links to CPS. "Building a better future requires both short-term tactics and a unified longer-term strategy focusing on the four cornerstones of family/childhood, gender, economics, and story/language. We must continue to work on the myriad of progressive goals that people and organizations are promoting in bits and pieces. We must continue working for a sustainable environment, against nuclear proliferations, for racial justice and against antisemitism and other in-group versus out-group prejudices and violence we inherited from more rigid domination times. However, we must also remember that our gains can be, and have been, cancelled from the top with the stroke of a pen. These regressions will continue unless we work together to build solid partnership foundations for the urgently needed paradigm shift from domination to partnership. This requires a whole-systems agenda. We urgently need a more accurate narrative of our past, present, and the possibilities for our future that no longer marginalizes the majority of humanity - women and children — and takes into account what we today know about the vital importance of what happens in families and its connection to what happens in our family of nations." Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gRpKStHd #Compass #Futurists #Humanity #Narrative #Partnership

How do you make media in exile more sustainable? ✍️ During our International Journalism Festival panel on preparing media for exile, Internews Europe Chief Executive Meera Selva gave her thoughts on what donors and the international community must do to respond effectively to the complex needs of exiled journalists. #IJF24

TNC member Fernando Soto makes a strong case for investing in news and information for Spanish-speaking communities. He is the editor-in-chief of Pasa La Voz Noticias and was the founder of Nuestro Estado, which has merged with Pasa La Voz. He also highlighted new TNC member Claudia Amaro and the great work she is doing with Planeta Venus in Wichita, Kansas. Thanks to the The Pivot Fund for supporting Pasa La Voz and providing a platform for Fernando to share his wisdom. "As interest and investment grow in local news, now is the time to significantly invest in upholding rigorous journalism for Spanish-speaking audiences. Rather than supporting this media solely for diversity's sake, funders can embrace the chance to learn from and provide vital information to an often neglected community. The evolving landscape presents not just funding opportunities but a chance for real understanding and growth." https://lnkd.in/eWEBtcqp

Did you know you can learn more about select Journalism grants on our website? Follow the link below and scroll down to "Grant Highlights" to learn about our partnerships with The 19th, Radio Ambulante Studios, The Futuro Media Group, TransLash Media, FRONTLINE PBS, and Rebuild Local News.   Grants to these organizations support journalism elevating underrepresented groups, voices, and content––recognizing #journalism as a critical element of a healthy and multicultural #democracy.   https://lnkd.in/gJDdF9Sy