BURLINGTON – UVM’s Center for Community News (CCN) hosted its annual Vermont Journalism Conference on Friday in partnership with the Vermont Community Foundation, at which both organizations announced their support for the creation of a Vermont Journalism Coalition. The organization will promote long-term sustainability for Vermont news outlets.
photo by Paul Fixx
The nonprofit association is the first to represent all entities producing journalism in the state, regardless of size, medium or business model. With the support of a part-time staff member, it plans to advocate for the rights of journalists, provide business and legal support to members, and raise awareness of the industry’s critical mission. More than 20 Vermont news organizations have signed on so far. [Ed. Note: including The Hardwick Gazette]
“Journalism has rarely faced as many threats as it does today, legal, financial, technological and otherwise,” said Paul Heintz, a senior adviser to the Center for Community News who is working to establish the coalition. “News organizations in the state must work together to ensure that we continue to serve Vermonters, as we always have.”
At Friday’s conference, UVM’s Center for Community News and the Vermont Community Foundation’s Press Forward Vermont initiative announced an initial round of funding to support the Vermont Journalism Coalition for two years, making membership free to news outlets.
courtesy photo
“Promoting a robust news ecosystem in Vermont is central to our mission at the Center for Community News,” said CCN Executive Director Richard Watts. “We are proud to support the establishment of this coalition, which will build on the news collaboration and innovation we’ve been growing at UVM for several years.”
“Access to local news and information keeps Vermonters informed and engaged,” said Holly Morehouse, Vice President for Community Impact at Vermont Community Foundation. “We are excited about the launch of the Vermont Journalism Coalition and the added strength it brings to the essential work of media organizations in our state.”
Friday’s conference at UVM’s Alumni House featured panels and breakout sessions designed to educate Vermont journalists and brainstorm new solutions. A panel on the legal challenges facing the industry featured retired Vermont Supreme Court Justice John Dooley, ACLU Vermont legal director Lia Ernst, and Gravel & Shea First Amendment attorney Matthew Byrne.
Five policymakers, hailing from all three political parties, were honored as “champions of Vermont journalism” for their work advocating for the industry and its principles. Recipients of the award were Lt. Gov. John Rodgers, Secretary of State Sarah Copeland Hanzas, Sen. Andrew Perchlik, Rep. Barbara Rachelson and Rep. Chea Waters Evans.
