The news that Tegna and 9News were being acquired by Nexstar in a $6.2 billion deal is just one more example of the way local news is changing (and not for the better.) This consolidation could diminish the work of one of the most trustworthy stations in the country. As someone who has worked with NBC News for decades, I can say that 9News is a tremendous affiliate, one that collaborated with the network in every way and produced outstanding and inspiring journalism.
This news, on the back of the federal government decision to stop funding NPR and PBS, is also shaking up the local news landscape. There are so many headwinds right now. Many of us who are working to fill in the gaps in local news for our communities are struggling to keep going. We are working to build revenue streams to keep our communities informed, and keep mentoring the next generation of journalists so they are prepared to be skilled storytellers. But it’s expensive.
Bucket List Community News works in partnership with the community to create free hyperlocal neighborly news for the Denver area. Besides grants, sponsorships and recurring contributors we reach out to you to support this effort. Because of your help we have been able to produce 250 stories a year, mentor over 80 aspiring journalists and journalism entrepreneurs, produce a podcast and now a radio show on KGNU and win awards.
As with 9News and public media our situation is precarious and without more help we will not be able to continue this work. I’m sure you are exhausted with all these appeals. Who to support? Not another fundraising email. We get it. Everyone needs a boost. But please consider your part in all of this. Without community support there is no community news. It takes a community to have community journalism.
Bucket List Community News is in the middle of its Back to School Fundraising Campaign. We are trying to raise over $5000 to support the aspiring journalists who cover the news for you every week. Our team is out in your neighborhoods, talking to folks, listening to people and sharing the stories that matter to you. And one day with your support and our mentorship they will be the reporters at stations like 9News and RMPBS.
We have had great success providing our team from CU Boulder, MSU Denver and DU, with the skills needed to get jobs in today’s newsrooms. We’re even starting to work with high school students at the request of DPS to help them figure out if journalism is the right fit for them. But we can’t do this without your support. Between now and August 31 please contribute to our Back to School Fundraising campaign. Give so we can stay independent and keep doing this work, for you. Thank you for supporting community journalism.
Warmest Regards,
Vicky Collins
Publisher/Bucket List Community News
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