New Jersey Civic Information Consortium Publishes Groundbreaking Case Study on Reimagining Local News

The New Jersey Civic Information Consortium (NJCIC), the nation’s first publicly funded nonprofit organization providing start-up and early stage funding for local news outlets, has unveiled a comprehensive case study of its founding, funding, operations, and future direction, according to a press release issued by the consortium.  

The case study was authored by Dickson L. Louie, a member of the Board of Directors of the Robert C. Maynard Institute for Journalism Education, and Marisa Porto, Knight Chair of Local News and Sustainability at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

The case study provides key insights, takeaways and recommendations for states and organizations seeking to rebuild local news ecosystems and strengthen democracy. 

The Consortium, formed in 2018 through bipartisan legislative support and public and foundation funding, has awarded nearly $9 million in grants to reinvigorate New Jersey’s news and information landscape. 

New Jersey Urban News is one of the consortium’s grant recipients.

“This grant is a game-changer for New Jersey Urban News, allowing us to expand our editorial capacity, deepen our community impact, and strengthen our long-term sustainability,” Penda Howell, the CEO and publisher of New Jersey Urban News.

“With these resources, we can produce more in-depth reporting, reach broader audiences, and continue amplifying the voices of underserved communities across New Jersey,” he added. 

By fostering innovation, addressing underserved communities, and emphasizing trust, the Consortium says it is demonstrating the transformative power of public and private funding to support local journalism.

The case study, which was publicly released February 6, will be the topic of a meeting of New Jersey media leaders in Ewing later this year.

“Our case study highlights not just the successes of the Consortium but also the lessons we’ve learned in reimagining what local news and civic engagement can achieve,” said Consortium Board Chair and Interim Executive Director, Chris Daggett. 

“Through partnerships, innovative approaches, and a focus on community impact, we are showing how publicly funded initiatives can address critical public service needs while strengthening democracy.” 

“As local news outlets, nationwide, continue to disappear at an alarming rate, giving rise to news deserts, misinformation, and disinformation, the New Jersey model offers a possible response for other states,” said Louie. 

“Rather than bemoan this loss, a group of dedicated individuals decided to be proactive about it. Taking a bipartisan approach, they worked with the State Legislature to create the Consortium that now systematically supports start-ups and early-stage local news outlets throughout New Jersey, especially in underrepresented communities. In the history of the United States, public-private partnerships have helped find innovative solutions to problems in science, society, and commerce,” Louie added. 

“Why not now with local news, with funding by both the public and private sectors?”