Speaker Series — Revitalizing Local News: How to Support Reporting that Makes Communities Stronger

Independent local journalism is essential to a functioning democracy. However, over the past 20 years, more than one-third of American newspapers have shuttered. And it matters: “Studies show that when people in communities lose a local paper, they are less likely to vote or participate in public life, and they become more polarized,” says Sarabeth Berman, CEO of the American Journalism Project.

Access to reliable, unbiased, and factual local news is one of the most pressing issues facing our communities and our nation. But there are ways we can support reporting that makes communities stronger. The American Journalism Project (AJP), a venture philanthropy dedicated to rebuilding local news, has raised more than $250 million and built a portfolio of over 50 nonprofit local news organizations serving 105 communities across 38 states. The organization supports the launch of new nonprofit newsrooms and invests in the growth of existing ones.

Last year, Clean Yield committed to a three-year philanthropic contribution to further AJP’s investments in local journalism in support of preserving our democracy, increasing civic engagement, and depolarizing communities. Now, we’d like to invite you to an upcoming Speaker Series webinar to learn more about why local news is critical to our democracy, how financial independence is a key element in ensuring editorial independence, and how editorial independence impacts community trust in reporting, news, and institutions.

Join us on November 19 at 1 p.m. ET for “Revitalizing Local News: How to Support Reporting that Makes Communities Stronger.” We will bring together Berman of AJP with leaders from two of the project’s independent newsrooms, Brendan Kinney, CEO of VTDigger, and Matthew Copeland, Chief Executive and Editor of WyoFile.

A recording will be shared with registrants following the webinar. 

Note: By registering, you agree to receive emails from Clean Yield Asset Management.

What You’ll Learn

The conversation will cover three important themes:

Local news is civic infrastructure and provides a basis for accountability. Independent local journalism is essential to a functioning democracy, not just a media product. Its premise is when local newsrooms shrink or disappear, communities lose accountability reporting that keeps governments, schools, and institutions honest, and they become more vulnerable to misinformation and civic disengagement.

Sustainability through diversified revenue. Financial independence is the practical foundation of editorial independence. There is vulnerability with this model, yet a mix of individual donors, memberships, foundation grants, and sponsorships diversifies that dependence, so no single source can steer coverage. This is strengthened when there are clear firewalls between funders and editorial decisions, which makes independent funding credible to readers.

Community-rooted and equitable journalism – independence as trust. Audiences, especially those who have historically been ignored or misrepresented by mainstream media, tend to trust outlets they see as answerable to the community rather than to distant owners or shareholders. Independent media can be locally led and shaped by the people it serves, which means independence from outside ownership while staying accountable to the community.

Meet Our Panelists

Sarabeth Berman is the CEO of the American Journalism Project. Since joining AJP in 2020, she has helped shape the national response to the crisis in local journalism. In 2023, Fast Company recognized AJP as one of the most innovative media companies. Previously, Sarabeth was Global Head of Public Affairs at Teach For All, a network of education enterprises. She is a member of the advisory council for the Center for Democracy & Technology and serves on the Steering Committee for Rebuild Local News. She lives near Washington, D.C. with her husband, journalist Evan Osnos, and their two children.

Brendan Kinney is Chief Executive Officer of the Vermont Journalism Trust and VTDigger. A lifelong Vermonter, Kinney grew up in Randolph and has spent his career in service to Vermont’s media and civic life. Kinney joined VTDigger in June 2026 after sixteen years at Vermont Public, including as Interim CEO and Chief Operating Officer. Earlier in his career, he worked in institutional advancement at Saint Michael’s College and SUNY Plattsburgh. Outside of work, Kinney is an avid runner who enjoys exploring Vermont’s many trails and footpaths, often with his dog Frankie, and he lives in Essex with his family.

Matthew Copeland has served as WyoFile’s chief executive and editor since 2017. Copeland brings more than two decades of management, professional communications and community engagement experience to the role — more than half of it with Wyoming nonprofits. He is an award-winning writer and editor who began his relationship with WyoFile as a freelance reporter. Copeland lives in Wyoming with his wife and family, and outside of work is an avid hunter and angler.