As fast and reliable local news declines and threats against democracy grow, the goal of  the Press Forward initiative is to support local news and information across the country by increasing journalism philanthropy to meet gaps in coverage and expand access to local news. 

Press Forward Alaska was one of the first six local chapters founded across the country and was officially launched during Alaska’s Journalism Week (J-Week) in April 2024. Press Forward Alaska is led by the Atwood Foundation. Atwood began expanding its journalism philanthropy in 2020 by leading the creation of the Alaska Center for Excellence in Journalism fund to support local news. The Press Club board officially voted in support of the initiative on April 6. 

“Press Forward is giving us the motivation and resources to follow through on some of the impactful collaborations we’ve been wanting to pursue with community partners,”  Rosey Robards, Executive Director of the Alaska Press Club said, “As we know, local news is in crisis. It’s time to work together.”

In the first round of a national Press Forward open call, seven Alaska newsrooms received $100,000 to help close coverage gaps in Alaska.

How we hope Press Club can support Press Forward Alaska:

• Working with partners to understand our local news ecosystem and how we might best serve Alaskans
• Convening conversations about the role of journalism in our communities 
• Providing funders with clear information about newsroom needs 
• Collaborating with partners to advocate for journalism philanthropy 
• Seeking additional funding for journalism in Alaska
• And more

For now, find more information about upcoming Press Forward Alaska at the Alaska Center for Excellence in Journalism website.

Written by Taylor Heckart