Local

News

Serving

Indiana

We’re on a mission to make sure every resident of Indiana has the local news they need.

Our Strategy

Fill Gaps

We’re going to launch community-centered nonprofit newsrooms where needed around the state, beginning with a robust newsroom in Central Indiana.

Facilitate Investment

Rally philanthropic support for partner news organizations to strengthen their news and their impact.

Foster Collaboration

Support the local ecosystem in coordinating collaboration to close coverage gaps, share content and make more local journalism available to all Hoosiers who need it.

Our Steering Committee

A group of Indiana civic leaders came together to lead a comprehensive statewide research study with the American Journalism Project, which showed Hoosiers need more unbiased, fact-based information about their communities.

Tamara Winfrey-Harris

President, Women's Fund of Central Ind.

Mark Miles

Chief Executive Officer, Penske Entertainment Corp

Rafael Sanchez

Chief Impact Officer, Old National Bank

Myrta Pulliam

Journalist and Community Leader

Kevin Corcoran

Veteran Indiana journalist and Strategy Director, Lumina Foundation

Karen Ferguson Fuson

Board chair, Indiana Local News Initiative

Former Publisher, Indianapolis Star

Local News Matters

Unbiased, nonpartisan, contextual journalism is a vital part of our local communities and for democracy.

"Free and open access to local news is a foundational part of our communities and democracy. This initiative is a first step in ensuring this vital community asset can continue to exist, and serve all Hoosiers."

Photo: Maxine Wallace

Tamara Winfrey-Harris, steering committee member

We want to hear from you.

Photo: Maxine Wallace

Tell us what matters most to you, and how you want to receive updates

"We need knowledgeable and responsible reporters to help [residents] stay informed and connected, which strengthens the community."

Jane Howard, Marion County resident, community listening ambassador

Local Coalition Raises Over $10M to Launch the Indiana Local News Initiative

Photo: Maxine Wallace

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We're Hiring

We’re currently conducting open searches for an Editor in Chief and Community Journalism Director for our new 25-person Central Indiana news organization, with many more opportunities to come!

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Reporting on the topics that matter most.

A new, 25-person news organization serving Central Indiana will be staffed by journalists who will produce, unbiased, nonpartisan, contextual coverage of critical topics, with the highest standards of editorial integrity and independence. Reporting will hold power to account, but will be done with self-awareness and a focus on solutions for local issues. It will also produce service journalism, to ensure information is relevant to residents’ everyday lives.

What people are saying:

"[Partnership is] important because it exposes each of the collaborating publications to the others' unique audiences, which, given the various perspectives, is incredibly beneficial to Indiana residents, as they will have access to more expansive content. I truly appreciate this collaboration because each of the newspapers are credible, established publications all rooted in journalistic excellence."

—Robert Shegog, President & CEO, Indianapolis Recorder

“There are so many great stories in all of Indy’s neighborhoods. This initiative represents an opportunity to change the narrative and elevate the work of neighbors who are working every day to strengthen their neighborhoods and our city. It will also get more information about public resources and processes into neighbors’ hands, making it more accessible, navigable, and empowering, leading to an increase in grassroots engagement and leadership, resulting in more neighbors affecting systemic change.”

—Anne-Marie Taylor, executive director of the Indianapolis Neighborhood Resource Center

“Local journalism can strengthen a community’s cultural and social ties. Like any other state, Indiana needs a more robust community presence, especially after the heavy past years. A solid local news establishment will build a stronger community and bring together folks from all walks of life. I hope this new effort will be inclusive and make space for people of all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds because Indiana is more diverse than one would think.”

—Sitashma Thapa, climate and energy researcher, Indianapolis, and community listening ambassador

"Indiana is made up of wonderful tight-knit communities that are full of heart and passion for the people within them,...we have the opportunity to inspire individuals to participate in their communities at a local level to create the kind of change they want to see in their daily lives - and I believe local journalism and news is at the center of that shift.”

—Kaya Dorsch, theater artist in Indianapolis and community listening ambassador

Community is at the center of our reporting

The newsroom will report on issues communities care most about, with the highest standards of editorial integrity and independence. It will feature an innovative, community-led reporting model, including a local affiliate of the Documenters Network by City Bureau, which trains and pays residents to cover public meetings.