Reporting the Truth: Journalism in a Divided Era (RECORDED)

In a time of deepening political divisions and spreading misinformation, the role of journalism is more vital and complex than ever. On Aug. 20, The Foundation's webinar on journalism brought together respected voices from the media landscape to discuss the challenges and responsibilities of reporting in today’s political climate. 

The online discussion is part of a series of briefings about protecting institutions that are vital to our democracy. Learn more at cfgnh.org/events.

What We Heard:

• Local journalism is the basic material of democracy.
• As legacy media outlets contract, new business models based on subscriptions and philanthropy are keeping local news alive.
• Interest in journalism is high among students at colleges and universities.
• When we don’t have enough reporting on local issues, national issues dominate conversations.
• Many local PBS radio stations will go dark because of recent funding cuts by the federal government.
• Quality local journalism starts with reporters who are on the ground.

Giving Resource

The Community Foundation's Civic Engagement and Awareness Fund supports people and organizations who work every day to advance civic awareness and engagement in our region, including: nonprofit journalism; civics education; grass-roots efforts to promote civic engagement at the neighborhood level; and promoting civic values through cultural activities, convenings and other community gatherings and activities.

Panelists

Dale Robinson Anglin serves as the Director of Press Forward, a coalition of over 100 local and national funders investing more than $500 million to strengthen communities through local news.  Press Forward includes 41 locally led chapters in 30 states.  

Paul Bass is the founding editor of the New Haven Independent and executive director of its parent not-for-profit, the Online Journalism Project, which also publishes the Valley Independent Sentinel, the Midbrow arts review, and WNHH FM. He has been a reporter and editor in New Haven for 45 years.

Mark Contreras, president and chief executive officer of Connecticut Public, has led several media businesses through digital transformation. Prior to his role as Dean of the School of Communications at Quinnipiac University, Contreras served as CEO of Calkins Media, a privately-held local television, digital and local newspaper publishing company. 

Moderator

Karen DuBois-Walton, Ph.D. is a visionary leader dedicated to empowering communities through education, advocacy, and equitable development. With a distinguished career spanning the realms of academia, public service, and non-profit and philanthropic leadership, she has emerged as a tireless champion for equity, social justice, access and opportunity.