A coalition that supports local news outlets is launching with a goal of filling information gaps in the community.
Press Forward Middle Tennessee is housed in the Community Foundation and is the local initiative of a nationwide philanthropic movement to strengthen local media.
“People make better decisions, look out for their neighbors, and show up for their communities when they have good local information,” said Kelly Walberg, chapter founder, in a news release.
Walberg compares the work to disaster responses, which depend on clear, timely and trusted information — and notes there must be intentional efforts to understand and strengthen how news and information reach people.
Press Forward is also interested in the challenges for local newsrooms and managing the patchwork of platforms that exist.
The first project, coming later in April, will be a survey of residents across 40 counties that seeks to learn about information gaps. Insights will guide future investments and partnerships.
Nashville Public Radio has two staffers, Mack Linebaugh, vice president of audience engagement; and Jesse Strauss, director of institutional giving, serving on Press Forward’s steering committee.
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