Aspen Digital

Trusted News Media

An informed public is critical to healthy and engaged communities.

We activate cross-sector leaders to advance news media sustainability, organize global groups in support of a free press, and work with journalists to enhance their understanding and reporting of emerging and urgent issues.
Local News Sustainability

Local News Sustainability

Hosting practitioners, supporters, and experts to advance the rebuilding of independent, sustainable, and quality information at the local level

Topical Media Briefings

Topical Media Briefings

Convenings for editors, reporters, and columnist about complex issues to advance the public interest

Insights and Events

Signposts for the Future of Local News

Signposts for the Future of Local News

The decline of local news is disturbing, but the prospects for emerging solutions are encouraging. This essay series helps newsrooms answer, “What now?”

Designing for Community

Designing for Community

URL Media’s Co-Founder & CEO questions the definition of “local news” and synthesizes recommendations for how outlets can meet the needs of audiences.

Healing Polarized Communities

Healing Polarized Communities

The 19th*’s Co-Founder & Publisher discusses the harms of polarization, the struggles of local news, and how outlets can help bridge communal divides.

Funding and Revenue Models

Funding and Revenue Models

Lenfest Institute’s Executive Director & CEO explores how nonprofit and for-profit news can learn from one another and blend their approaches to funding.

Partnerships and Collaboration

Partnerships and Collaboration

National Trust for Local News’ CEO & Co-Founder argues for an ecosystem approach to local journalism and advises making use of available tools.

How Local Journalism Can Bring Communities Together

How Local Journalism Can Bring Communities Together

MIT Center for Constructive Communication’s Director explains how local news can leverage its “trust capital” and emerging technology to promote listening.