News

After 100,000 stories, the lesson is clear: America needs more local news

Poynter · Kim Kleman · last updated

This summer, we’re celebrating a milestone at Report for America: The journalists we’ve placed in local newsrooms throughout the country — some 750 to date, in every state — have produced 100,000 stories for their communities.

It’s not just the number we’re celebrating, though sheer quantity of local news is important to bolster newsrooms across America. No, with every one of these stories, we’re reminded of what good local coverage does: introduces neighbor to neighbor, holds city hall and the school board accountable, distills how federal actions affect local businesses, and informs folks that the food pantry’s shelves are bare, so residents know to help fill them.

Local news makes folks feel informed, which makes them more active citizens, which makes their communities vibrant.

View full article

here today, more tomorrow

We’re launching briefing.center with a focus on the press and media.

And we’re adding Citizen Cartwright, a daily quick-read news summary by veteran Washington journalist Linda Cartwright. (Sign-up for a dedicated morning email is available at Citizencartwright.com.)

We’re readying our first policy briefing.center, on energy and climate. We’d love to hear from you in what our other policy priorities should be.

You can use briefing.center as the center of your information management, or just one of your tools. We’re happy to discuss your connectivity needs.

Sign up