Equitable Journalism
Spreading and Sustaining Community-Driven News
In addition to the financial hardships local news has faced over the last few decades, many journalism organizations have continued to harm communities of color through racist coverage and biased reporting.
While these challenges remain, a growing number of independent news organizations have developed equitable ways to inform communities and spark action. These models prioritize people over profits. They can transform our definition of journalism — and how our nation supports it.
Our Approach
We know that reliable, community focused journalism plays a crucial role in people’s lives. When people have access to the news they need, they’re more likely to vote, access public resources, and advocate for change.
Our Equitable Journalism initiatives seek to ensure all communities see their needs, concerns, and dreams reflected in a vibrant and diverse public square. Through this flow of information, people can use their power to build an inclusive multiracial democracy.
Journalism and Power Building
The Journalism and Power Building initiative supports leaders of color and the coalitions and organizations they champion. These leaders are changing journalism and using media to launch movements for equity, justice, and democracy.
See how we support leaders who are changing journalism
News and Information Ecosystems
The News and Information Ecosystems initiative supports the evolution of local news in the United States by building more vibrant ecosystems and equitable networks across the nation. As a result, people can rely on local news to help them make decisions and act — in their lives, making news and information a core civic infrastructure.
Learn about how we're supporting local news
Staff Working on Equitable Journalism
Christine Schmidt
Senior Program Associate, Public Square
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In April 2022, Democracy Fund announced our new organizational strategy with a commitment to investing in the power and leadership of communities of color to… -
At Democracy Fund, we see every day how local news strengthens democracy. People rely on local news to figure out who to vote for, how… -
Here at Democracy Fund, we’ve been focused on addressing our grantees’ shifting needs, and finding ways to support engaged journalism during the global coronavirus crisis. As…
Democracy Fund Editorial Firewall Policy
We adhere to a strict policy to honor the editorial independence of all our journalism grantees.
When a grantee approaches a member of our staff for comment, we will:
- Require them to go through our communications team — not a program officer.
- Alert the reporter of the funding relationship.
- Request that if they quote a member of our team, they disclose our funding of their organization in any story produced.
As part of our grant agreements, Democracy Fund communications staff will not:
- Send pitches to the nonprofit newsrooms we support.
- Discuss editorial content with journalism grantees or otherwise seek to influence their coverage.
We may alert newsroom leadership of Democracy Fund developments and news during regular engagement with grantees.
Explore Our Other Public Square Porfolios
Public Square strategies seek to ensure every community in the United States has access to accurate information that encourages healthy, informed, and engaged lives.
Digital Democracy
Social media platforms have a growing influence on American life. Unchecked, these networks can distort reality, fuel discrimination, and undermine elections.
Learn more about this work