Journalism and Democracy: A Convening on Philanthropy's Role in Strengthening the Press

Journalism is essential to democracy and civic life. Beyond delivering facts and analysis, it elevates community voices, sparks dialogue, and equips people to make informed decisions. At its best, journalism builds trust, ensures accountability, and strengthens social connection. 

A free and independent press is central to this work. It holds power accountable, reflects diverse perspectives, and ensures communities have access to reliable information, especially during times of crisis. Yet with significant cuts to public media, these functions are increasingly under threat. For decades, public media outlets have been a cornerstone of civic infrastructure, often serving as the primary source of trusted local news, emergency alerts, and educational or cultural programming. The weakening of these institutions contributes to the spread of “news and resource deserts,” undermining the foundation of an informed and engaged public. 

This program will convene journalists, community leaders, funders, and experts to explore how shifts in the media landscape affect our democracy. Together, we’ll examine how the news media portrays nonprofits and philanthropy, and how those portrayals shape public understanding of community challenges and responses. 

Speakers

PhilTalks 

• Lolly Bowean, Program Officer, Creativity and Free Expression, Ford Foundation
• Elizabeth Green, Founder & CEO, Civic News Company (Publisher of Chalkbeat, Votebeat, and Healthbeat)
• Jess King, Executive Director, Steinman Institute for Civic Engagement 
• Megan McAllister, Senior Program Officer, Altman Foundation
• Deborah McManus, President, DJ McManus Foundation
• Eileen Wiseman, Program Director, The Tow Foundation

Panel 1: Reporting on Journalism & Democracy

• James West, Executive Editor, Center for Investigative Reporting
• Richard Kim, Editor-in-Chief, The City 
• Tracy Weber, Managing Editor, ProPublica
• Students with PressPass
• Beth Fertig (Moderator), Executive Director, Press Pass NYC

Panel 2: Innovations in Journalism & Democracy

• Will Kaback, Senior Editor, Tangle 

• Taylor McGraw, Executive Director, The Bell
• Graciela Mochkofsky, Dean, Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY
• Erickson Blakney (Moderator), Program Officer, Pinkerton Foundation 

Recording