As Philanthropy Spends Big To Fight News Deserts, 3 Frontline News Outlets Share What They Need

The decline of local journalism has been a pressing concern in recent years, with many communities left without access to reliable, trustworthy sources of news and information. This phenomenon, known as “news deserts,” has far-reaching consequences, including a lack of accountability, decreased civic engagement, and a diminished sense of community.

In response, philanthropic organizations have stepped up their efforts to support local journalism, investing millions of dollars in initiatives aimed at revitalizing the industry. While this influx of funding is certainly welcome, it’s essential to understand the specific needs of frontline news outlets, which are often best positioned to serve their communities.

In this article, we’ll hear from three frontline news outlets, each serving distinct regions and demographics. They’ll share their experiences, challenges, and most pressing needs, providing valuable insights for philanthropists, policymakers, and anyone interested in supporting local journalism.

Outlet 1: The Sacramento Observer

The Sacramento Observer, a nonprofit news organization, has been serving California’s capital city and surrounding communities since 1962. With a focus on covering issues affecting African Americans and other underserved populations, the Observer has become a trusted source of information and a powerful voice for social justice.

According to Observer publisher and CEO, Dr. Regina Brown, one of the biggest challenges facing her outlet is sustainability. “We’ve been fortunate to receive funding from philanthropic organizations, but it’s often short-term and project-based,” she explains. “What we really need is long-term, general operating support to ensure our stability and allow us to plan for the future.”

Brown also emphasizes the importance of technology and digital infrastructure. “We need to upgrade our website and social media presence to better engage with our audience and stay competitive in the digital landscape,” she says.

Outlet 2: La Estación

La Estación, a bilingual news outlet based in Tucson, Arizona, serves the city’s growing Latinx population. Founded in 2019, La Estación has quickly become a vital source of information on issues such as immigration, education, and healthcare.

Co-founder and editor, Maria Rodriguez, highlights the need for more reporting resources. “We’re a small team, and we’re stretched thin trying to cover the breadth of issues affecting our community,” she says. “Additional reporting staff would allow us to dig deeper into stories and provide more in-depth coverage.”

Rodriguez also stresses the importance of community engagement and outreach. “We need to build stronger relationships with our audience and create more opportunities for feedback and participation,” she explains. “This would help us better understand their needs and priorities, and ensure our reporting is truly representative of their voices.”

Outlet 3: The Appalachian Voice

The Appalachian Voice, a nonprofit news organization based in Boone, North Carolina, covers environmental and social issues affecting the Appalachian region. With a focus on in-depth reporting and investigative journalism, the Voice has become a respected source of information on topics such as coal ash, fracking, and rural healthcare.

Executive director, Kate Boyle, emphasizes the need for more resources to support investigative reporting. “We’ve had success with our investigative projects, but they require significant time and resources,” she says. “Additional funding would allow us to take on more complex, in-depth investigations that hold power accountable and bring about real change.”

Boyle also highlights the importance of collaboration and networking. “We’re often isolated in our rural region, and it can be difficult to connect with other outlets and organizations,” she explains. “More opportunities for collaboration and knowledge-sharing would help us stay up-to-date on best practices and amplify our impact.”

What Philanthropy Can Do

As these frontline news outlets demonstrate, the needs of local journalism are diverse and multifaceted. While funding is essential, it’s crucial to understand the specific challenges and priorities of each outlet.

Philanthropic organizations can play a critical role in supporting local journalism by:

1. Providing long-term, general operating support to ensure sustainability.
2. Investing in technology and digital infrastructure to enhance online presence and engagement.
3. Supporting reporting resources, including additional staff and investigative reporting projects.
4. Fostering community engagement and outreach initiatives to build stronger relationships with audiences.
5. Facilitating collaboration and networking opportunities to amplify impact and share best practices.

By listening to the needs of frontline news outlets and responding with targeted support, philanthropy can help revitalize local journalism and ensure that all communities have access to the information they need to thrive.