Investing in journalism that informs and connects Mississippians.
Is local news a business— or a public good?
These days, we have more information than ever—yet it's often hard to know what's really happening in our communities.
If we want to improve life in Mississippi and make our communities stronger, we need trusted local news to provide information that connects us.
Investing in local journalism means investing in our communities, when it helps everyone to:
Understand the issues shaping local elections
Hold those in power accountable
Explore and engage with differing perspectives
Connect with their community and get involved locally
Build pride and a sense of investment in their hometowns
Identify opportunities for change and take meaningful action
Press Forward Mississippi is part of a nationwide movement to strengthen communities by reinvigorating local news.
Our Goals in Mississippi
OUR VISION
We envision a Mississippi where communities are strengthened by access to trustworthy local news that informs and connects residents, empowering them to actively participate in improving the quality of life for all.
OUR MISSION
Press Forward Mississippi advances this vision by supporting sustainable, ethical journalism that reflects diverse experiences and fosters connections across communities. We seek to help local media engage, serve and accurately represent the people of Mississippi.
Our Areas of Interest
We see three main areas where our mission intersects with the needs of our state’s media community.
Meeting People Where They Are
Media outlets are seeking new strategies to engage local audiences. We will support and amplify innovation that puts audience needs and perspectives first, to better serve all the people in a community.
New Models for Trusted Local News
Mississippi media face pressure to adapt in the digital age. We aim to support transformation, helping make media operations more sustainable and valuable to the communities they serve.
Bridging the Reporting Workforce Gap
Many outlets in Mississippi struggle to hire, train and retain good journalists. We seek to support our media community’s ability to recruit local reporters and to develop their skillsets and ethical practices.
2025 Mississippi Local News Summit
Media leaders from across the state will convene at the University of Mississippi on May 15-16 for the second annual Mississippi Local News Summit.