Our Why
At the North Carolina Local News Lab Fund, we don’t just think about what’s at stake—we think about what’s possible.
Even in the best of times, the accountability enabled by local news is essential to a functioning democracy. We know that high-quality, accessible local news prevents corruption, encourages civic participation, and builds social cohesion.
But the local news industry has been collapsing over the past two decades, and the pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic have only accelerated newsroom closures, and newsrooms serving Black and Latino communities and other communities of color are often hit hardest financially. The work ahead isn’t just about reversing recent trends, though—many communities across race, class, and geography have never been represented nor prioritized by media organizations.
We believe in a resilient and strong North Carolina:
Where all communities in North Carolina have access to high-quality, trustworthy news and the agency to hold people in power accountable. That means every community across race, class, and geography, and every individual—whether their family has called North Carolina home for generations, they’re new to the state, or they’re here part of the year as a migrant farmworker.
Where staff and leadership of news and information providers reflect the communities they work with and for, leading to stories and information that are part of the fabric of the community—and make that fabric stronger.
Where many players have a role to play in building informed, connected communities—from libraries, to community organizations, to newsrooms of all types.
And where achieving solvency and sustainability can unlock news and information providers’ ability to deliver on their missions.
By investing in local news and information systems that tell vital, underreported stories and fill gaps where information otherwise isn’t being spread, the North Carolina Local News Lab Fund is helping revitalize the local news ecosystem throughout the state—which in turn will lead to more informed, engaged citizens.
Build What’s Possible
We are looking for partners to help us expand our investments in inclusive, accessible, and high-quality coverage for communities across North Carolina.
“A big part of creating a Western North Carolina where every generation can live, learn, earn and thrive is ensuring that people have access to credible information that helps them engage in community decision-making processes and make more informed choices about their lives.”
— Betsey Russell, Senior Director of Communications at Dogwood Health Trust