Tulsa Launches $14 Million Nonprofit News Initiative to Revitalize Local Journalism

A new chapter in local journalism has begun in Tulsa with the launch of the $14 million Tulsa Local News Initiative. This nonprofit effort aims to enhance local news coverage, create over 20 journalism jobs, and support multiple media outlets in the area, ensuring that residents have access to reliable and diverse information.

Key Takeaways

Funding: The initiative is backed by $14 million to bolster local news coverage.
Job Creation: Over 20 journalism positions will be created.
Media Support: The initiative will support The Oklahoma Eagle and four other local news organizations.
New Newsroom: A new newsroom will be established at the University of Tulsa.
Community Involvement: A community advisory committee will guide the newsroom’s focus.

Overview of The Initiative

The Tulsa Local News Initiative is a collaborative effort led by a coalition of media and community leaders in Tulsa. The initiative aims to address the growing gap in local news coverage, which has been exacerbated by the decline of traditional media outlets. With a significant investment of $14 million, the initiative will not only expand the historic Oklahoma Eagle newspaper but also launch a new newsroom dedicated to serving the diverse information needs of Tulsa residents.

Goals and Objectives

The primary goals of the Tulsa Local News Initiative include:

Expanding Local News Coverage: By enhancing the capacity of existing media outlets and launching a new newsroom, the initiative aims to provide comprehensive coverage of local issues, neighborhoods, and government activities.
Supporting Diverse Voices: The initiative will focus on uplifting the voices of traditionally underserved communities, ensuring that all residents have access to the information they need.
Building Community Trust: Through collaboration with local organizations and a community advisory committee, the initiative seeks to build trust and ensure that the newsroom’s work aligns with the needs of Tulsa residents.

Key Partnerships

The initiative will collaborate with several local media organizations, including:

The Oklahoma Eagle: A historic Black-owned newspaper that will receive funding to expand its newsroom capacity.
KOSU: A public radio station that will benefit from additional resources.
The Frontier: An investigative newsroom focused on in-depth reporting.
La Semana: A bilingual newspaper serving the Latino community.
Focus: Black Oklahoma: A radio program addressing issues relevant to BIPOC communities.

Leadership and Governance

The Tulsa Local News Initiative will be governed by a board comprising local and national journalism, community, and business leaders. Key figures involved include:

Jim Goodwin: Owner of The Oklahoma Eagle and a prominent advocate for local journalism.
Gary Lee: The managing editor of The Oklahoma Eagle, who will serve as the executive editor of the new initiative.
Emily Kaiser: A journalist and philanthropist committed to supporting local news.

Community Engagement

To ensure that the newsroom remains responsive to community needs, a community advisory committee will be established. This committee will provide ongoing feedback and guidance on the newsroom’s coverage priorities, helping to shape the direction of local journalism in Tulsa.

Future Outlook

The Tulsa Local News Initiative is set to launch in 2025, with recruitment for various journalism positions already underway. This initiative represents a significant step towards revitalizing local news in Tulsa, fostering a more informed and engaged community. By investing in quality journalism, the initiative aims to combat misinformation and strengthen the fabric of local democracy.