LANCASTER, PA — The Steinman Institute for Civic Engagement has announced Central Pennsylvania’s selection as one of 20 inaugural Press Forward local chapters across the country. Backed by The Steinman Foundation, a family-run organization focused on community development, the new Press Forward Central Pennsylvania (PFCPA) is set to strengthen local news in a rapidly transforming media landscape.
Press Forward is a national initiative investing over $500 million to rebuild and sustain local news. It aims to address the decline in reliable local journalism while fostering civic engagement, government accountability, and stronger community connections. PFCPA will leverage these resources to establish high-quality, accessible news services throughout Central Pennsylvania, from rural areas to urban centers.
One of PFCPA’s first projects is creating a comprehensive map of the region’s news ecosystem. This innovative tool will catalog local news producers, their business models, geographic reach, and service gaps. The map will also encompass nontraditional sources, such as social media influencers. Over time, it will track changes in the local news landscape and guide opportunities for collaboration, investment, and growth.
“Reliable local news is just as essential as clean water,” said Bob Krasne, Co-Chair of the Steinman Foundation. “It informs and educates, elevates underrepresented voices, promotes the local economy, maintains community connections, keeps government and powerful people accountable, and so much more. Becoming a Press Forward local chapter means joining a nationwide effort with others committed to reimagining the future of local news at a time of unprecedented change in the industry.”
PFCPA will also engage local residents through listening sessions to understand their needs and expectations for local news coverage. News providers are being invited to participate in a survey, open until December 20, detailing their roles and challenges in the current media environment. Organizations that complete the survey will be eligible for one of three $1,000 grants aimed at bolstering their newsrooms.
According to recent research, over 2,000 U.S. newspapers have shut down since 2005, leaving communities without trusted resources to stay informed. The decline erodes essential functions of journalism, such as combating misinformation, highlighting community challenges, and fostering accountability among public and private institutions. PFCPA aims to fill these gaps, with a focus on collaboration and innovation.
“We are seeking new partnerships among media and funders in our region who have a shared understanding of the challenges communities face with the decline of local news and a shared commitment to solutions,” said Jess King, Executive Director of the Steinman Institute for Civic Engagement.
This development marks a significant step toward revitalizing journalism in Central Pennsylvania. By amplifying diverse voices and rallying community support, PFCPA is poised to ensure local news remains a vital resource for the region.
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