Our Story
Our Story
In 2019, ¶¶Òõ̽̽ launched the , a student-powered partnership between the University and community newspapers across the state. CNS matches student reporters with professional editors to provide critical reporting to trusted sources of local news. Since then, CNS has been both a newsroom and a laboratory for experimentation in creative ways to address the challenges facing local news. The extraordinary potential for growth and demand from other regions inspired the creation of the Center for Community News, an effort to document and meet the urgent needs of other schools around the U.S. that are working to be part of the local news solution.
Our Mission
In communities across the U.S., student journalists now provide millions of people with trustworthy, professional local news coverage. Our mission is to grow and support partnerships between college reporting programs and local news outlets.
Our Vision
CCN is a national resource for colleges and universities providing student reporting to local news outlets. Building on the wisdom, relationships, and innovations of year one, CCN is best equipped to meet the urgent needs of schools working to be part of the local news solution. Here's how we do it.
How We Get the Work Done
Build a Community of Peers
The dedicated faculty and staff running these programs shouldn't have to work in isolation. CCN is building a network of peers to facilitate ongoing conversations and support around what is working, when to coordinate, and how to share critical information. Connections include in-person events, online channels, and presence at all relevant journalism and academic events where local news is considered.
Provide Direct Resources
CCN has already created dozens of case studies and fact sheets on news-academic partnerships around the country, which are serving as templates for others who want to start or expand programs - and this is just the beginning. Our faculty resources pages is under development and, with additional resources, CCN can provide more direct guidance and blueprints to meet the demands of these ever-growing programs, ensuring that no one is reinventing the wheel and every program has the chance to succeed.
Advocate For a Stronger System
It's not enough to support the individuals running news-academic partnerships around the country today. CCN will also advocate for systemic changes that will cultivate a thriving local news ecosystem for years to come. That can include direct advocacy for state and federal policies; working to make colleges friendlier environments for these programs; and the production of materials for anyone who wants to fight for a strong fourth estate.
Collaborators
The Center for Community News partners and consults with newsrooms (print/broadcast/online), universities, and industry leaders in the fields of journalism, media and information. CCN’s growing list of collaborators includes:
- The Community Journalism Interest Group of
- The at Harvard University
- The Office of Engagement at ¶¶Òõ̽̽
- The at the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media
- The at the Montclair State University
- The
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