Center for Cooperative Media

Center for Cooperative Media The mission of the Center for Cooperative Media is to grow and strengthen local journalism and, in do The Center receives core support from the Geraldine R.

The mission of the Center for Cooperative Media is to grow and strengthen local journalism and support an informed society in New Jersey and beyond. The Center was founded in 2012 in response to the downsizing of New Jersey news organizations and the changes in the ownership of regional public media. These shifts in the news and information landscape hurt the volume of local news available in a st

ate that has historically had limited news coverage, due to its proximity to the major metropolitan areas of New York City and Philadelphia. With 565 municipalities packed into a densely populated state, New Jersey was—and is—ripe for innovation in local journalism. The Center coordinates statewide and regional reporting, connecting more than 280 local news and information providers through its flagship project, the NJ News Commons. The Commons helps partners to share content and encourages them to collaborate and to support one another. The Center also conducts and publishes research on emerging ideas and best practices, focusing on local journalism, business models, and ecosystem mapping. The Center convenes national programs, including an annual national summit for journalism organizations to foster the conditions, ideas, and practices that lead to stronger collaborative journalism across the U.S. The Center’s annual reports offer a detailed history of programs and impact. The Center is a grant-funded program within the School of Communication and Media at Montclair State University. Funding from the University supports the director’s salary and benefits, office space for the Center and its staff, and infrastructure support and shared services such as IT, development, marketing, and administrative assistance. Dodge Foundation, the Democracy Fund and the Abrams Foundation, as well as project support from many other grantmaking sources and sponsors.

NJ local news organizations are invited to join an informative webinar on September 23, 2025, at 1:00 pm ET to discuss a...
09/18/2025

NJ local news organizations are invited to join an informative webinar on September 23, 2025, at 1:00 pm ET to discuss affordable media liability insurance options tailored for small newsrooms.

The program, developed by AXIS Insurance in collaboration with EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants, offers coverage that is crucial in today’s challenging media environment.

Designed for newsrooms with annual budgets under $2 million, the policy features a low retention of $2,500 and includes broad protection against defamation, invasion of privacy, and more.

Brian Finnell of EPIC Insurance will lead the session, outlining the application process and answering coverage-related queries. This initiative is part of the Center for Cooperative Media's commitment to supporting local journalism with practical resources.

Register now to ensure your newsroom is protected against costly legal threats!

Join us for an informational webinar about affordable media liability insurance options specifically designed for small newsrooms.

Daily News Roundup: Sep. 18, 2025NJ's credit rating upgrade, politicians' silence on a recent watchdog report, an interv...
09/18/2025

Daily News Roundup: Sep. 18, 2025

NJ's credit rating upgrade, politicians' silence on a recent watchdog report, an interview with the head of NJ Transit, and a new poll showing Sherrill's lead in the governor's race.

Alt text: Decoration only.

https://mailchi.mp/njnewscommons/daily-news-roundup-date-882945

Experienced journalists and media professionals discussed the critical obstacles facing democracy reporting for   with W...
09/17/2025

Experienced journalists and media professionals discussed the critical obstacles facing democracy reporting for with WNYC at The Greene Space this week. The panel examined misinformation, declining media trust, political polarization, and technological disruptions that are reshaping how news reaches communities.

The panelists explored strategies for maintaining journalistic integrity while combating false narratives and fostering public trust. The discussion provides essential insights for navigating an increasingly complex media landscape and adapting to new platforms and changing audience behaviors.

📺 Watch the replay here: https://youtu.be/wE0BU1-Je0Y

Knight Foundation

https://medium.com/centerforcooperativemedia/journalists-discuss-key-strategies-and-challenges-behind-democracy-reporting-6b4f9e6276a1

Panel discussion hosted at The Greene Space for Democracy Day 2025

Daily News Roundup: Sep. 17, 2025NJ Transit's summer train cancellations, a DOJ appeal in the Habba case, bipartisan sup...
09/17/2025

Daily News Roundup: Sep. 17, 2025

NJ Transit's summer train cancellations, a DOJ appeal in the Habba case, bipartisan support for a political violence bill, the state's fight over 'rapid DNA' tech, and teachers reported for comments on Charlie Kirk.

Alt text: Decoration only.

https://mailchi.mp/njnewscommons/daily-news-roundup-date-882944

"I am a pro-democracy journalist. I can't imagine a more important work that I could be doing." - George Chidi at Democr...
09/16/2025

"I am a pro-democracy journalist. I can't imagine a more important work that I could be doing." - George Chidi at Democracy Day 2025

Thank you to everyone who participated in this year's U.S. Democracy Day. You are doing the necessary work to keep democracy alive.

Special thanks to our event partners and as well as our panel: Brigid Bergin, George Chidi, Brandon Tensley, and Elizabeth Estrada.

📺 Watch the full panel "Front Lines of Defense: Democracy and Journalism in 2025" here: https://youtu.be/wE0BU1-Je0Y

Tonight's   event at The Greene Space with WNYC is about to start!📺 Tune into the livestream to follow along!
09/15/2025

Tonight's event at The Greene Space with WNYC is about to start!

📺 Tune into the livestream to follow along!

More than 75% of Americans say democracy is under serious threat, according to a recent NPR/PBS News/Marist poll. Press freedom is under intense pressure in ...

Daily News Roundup: Sep. 15, 2025A watchdog report on a Norcross-founded firm's insurance dealings, the release of the 2...
09/15/2025

Daily News Roundup: Sep. 15, 2025

A watchdog report on a Norcross-founded firm's insurance dealings, the release of the 2025 NJ Voter Guide, the first gubernatorial debate schedule, a report on decrepit water pipes, and Nadine Menendez's 4.5-year prison sentence.

Alt text: Decoration only.

https://mailchi.mp/njnewscommons/daily-news-roundup-date-882940

Local journalism strengthens democracy. Media and Democracy Project is a non-partisan, volunteer-driven grassroots organ...
09/13/2025

Local journalism strengthens democracy.

Media and Democracy Project is a non-partisan, volunteer-driven grassroots organization dedicated to fighting for more informative and pro-democracy media operating in the public interest.

The Local Journalism Directory is an essential resource for readers, highlighting local news outlets worth reading and supporting.

Local journalism connects communities, uplifts marginalized voices, and holds powers accountable. It's time to support the news that directly serves you.

Explore their Local Journalism Directory and fund democracy.

US Democracy Day 2025 is only 3 days away. Hear how leading journalists across the country are navigating democracy cove...
09/12/2025

US Democracy Day 2025 is only 3 days away.

Hear how leading journalists across the country are navigating democracy coverage in an era of unprecedented challenges.

Join us live or via livestream this Monday, September 15th at 7:00 PM EDT.

Get last-minute tickets now through "Programs + Initiatives" link in our bio.

Local newsrooms are laying the groundwork to strengthen democracy.In these divisive times, collaboration among outlets i...
09/11/2025

Local newsrooms are laying the groundwork to strengthen democracy.

In these divisive times, collaboration among outlets is more important than ever as we strive to hold government officials accountable, keep citizens informed, and protect democratic freedoms together.

Join and on U.S. Democracy Day for a conversation with some of the leading journalists covering democracy across the country today.

Get tickets through "Programs + initiatives" link in bio.

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When: Monday, September 15, 2025 | 7 PM ET
Where: & livestream

Address

1 Normal Avenue, Montclair State University
Montclair, NJ
07043

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

(973) 655-3879

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