Our What Works: The Future of Local News program at Northeastern University is cited in a new report from the Center for Community News at the University of Vermont. The report, “University Resources That Support Local Media Ecosystems: An Institutional Analysis of Higher-Ed Potential,” was written by Corey Hutchins of Colorado College.
Hutchins’ report mentions What Works as one of four university-based projects that are benefiting not just our own state of Massachusetts but also beyond our borders, as our frequently updated website and twice-monthly podcast “supports independent community news throughout the country.” Hutchins writes:
In recent decades, as the local news industry has contracted, students studying on our nation’s campuses have increasingly filled gaps in local reporting while in college. Now, across the country, more and more higher-ed academic programs are working to support their state’s media ecosystems in vast and various ways beyond student reporting.
What Works also maintains a database of independent local news outlets in Massachusetts, sponsors webinars and conferences for local news leaders, and engages in public advocacy.
We should note that we interviewed Hutchins for our book, “What Works in Community News,” to talk about how he tracks his state’s news ecosystem through his newsletter, Inside the News in Colorado.
In addition to What Works, our School of Journalism publishes The Scope, a grant-supported digital outlet that covers social-justice issues in the Boston area. And, of course, Northeastern has long been known for its cooperative education program, which places students in paid jobs, including media organizations and other communications-related fields.
What Works is part of the School of Journalism and is affiliated with the Center for Transformative Media.
