Press Forward South Florida to begin grantmaking in 2025 to boost journalism funding

Broward County, Florida – Five prominent foundations have come together in a major effort to support local journalism to start Press Forward South Florida, a pioneering project meant to improve the flow of critical information around the area. Regardless of their language or geographical variation, this initiative aims to equip locals with the skills required to navigate the dynamic surroundings of South Florida.

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation’s $3 million robust seed grant marks the beginning of the project. Press Forward South Florida intends to start grantmaking by late 2025 with this financial support, emphasizing on boosting support and generating additional funds for local journalism projects around the area.

Rebecca Fishman Lipsey, president and CEO of The Miami Foundation, emphasized the transformative role of local news in the community.

“We believe local news encourages our community to ask more challenging questions, dig deeper into critical issues, and own our solutions,” she said.

Lipsey emphasized the unique demographic of South Florida, pointing out that local news is a vital link to build relationships, create a collective identity, and make everyone feel at home since its varied population usually comes from many places, nations, or cultural backgrounds.

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With The Miami Foundation acting as the host organization, the project is a joint effort which includes multiple community foundations including the Community Foundation of Broward, Coral Gables Community Foundation, and Key Biscayne Community Foundation. Strong local journalism is essential according to Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson, Ph.D., President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Broward.

“As our local news outlets suffer from the national trend of diminished staffing and limited resources, support for Press Forward South Florida will strengthen and grow access to the quality local news that is essential to thriving communities,” she stated.

Press Forward South Florida is currently conducting a comprehensive assessment of the local media landscape and the information needs of South Floridians. Working with the American Journalism Project, this assessment includes professionals from the Jorge M. Perez Metropolitan Center and School of Journalism and Media out of Florida International University. The strategic planning of the project will be guided by this study, thereby guaranteeing that the solutions developed are informed and properly focused.

Such an effort is necessary since advertising money has moved toward online platforms and news outlets both locally and nationally are continuously shrinking. This cut in conventional media financing coincides with South Florida’s growing problems including housing affordability, economic imbalance, and climate change. Mobilizing community action and tackling these challenges depends on dependable and independent reporting, more than ever.

Highlighting the collaborative nature of the initiative, this is the first-time community foundations across three counties have united to tackle the crisis facing local journalism. Press Forward South Florida’s larger objectives are not only to assist news providers’ economic sustainability but also to inspire local residents to be lifelong champions of local journalism.

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With intentions to poll 1,000 people from Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe counties about their local news and information requirements, Press Forward South Florida is forward-looking and reaching out directly from the community. Furthermore, a new cooperative fund is in development to direct funds into local news providers, therefore actively fostering a strong information ecosystem for South Florida’s future.

More details about the project can be found here.