Image courtesy of Stephen Starr
Our Mission
We want to get people interested in and passionate about life in their locality to a degree that moves them – journalism tools in hand – to report. Every aspect of The Journalism Lab is animated by the belief that regular people not only can do this work, but that they should do it. Our next Bureau training workshop starts in early 2024. Please check back here in the coming months for sign up details.
According to research by the Pew Research Center, newsroom jobs across America dropped 26 percent between 2008 and 2018. Since then, a quarter of all US newspapers have experienced additional layoffs. Who is left to inform our communities? To keep track of those in power?
More than at any point in decades, a career in the media has never looked less appetizing to young people starting out in the world. Social media, it’s fair to say, is doing a poor job in advancing public debate. Organizations and outlets have even begun to map news deserts across America.
The consequent fallout at the community and societal levels alike is far-ranging: higher rates of political and other corruption; a less informed – and engaged – public; special interests and donors shaping a community’s present and future.
Let's make a difference together.
Whether you are a Daytonian interested in learning more, looking to bring the Lab to your hometown or a media organization interested in collaborating, we’d love to hear from you!
Image courtesy of Steve Bennish