Northwestern University, Medill School of Journalism

Founded in 1921, Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism, Media, and Integrated Marketing Communications, located in Evanston, Illinois, prepares multimedia journalists to shape and innovate in the field of journalism. In 2018, The Medill Local News Initiative (LNI) was created to provide new insights about trends in local news and to partner with news organizations in research, development, and experimentation aimed at fostering new models and bolstering sustainability. This grant supports two projects within the LNI. First, it enables LNI to continue its national State of Local News research project in collaboration with Penelope Abernathy. The intended outcome of this work is to develop advanced data visualization tools along with approaches and evidence aimed at assisting a variety of stakeholders in crafting solutions to address the decline of local journalism. The second research project is a comprehensive, scientific survey of Chicago area news consumers led by Medill and conducted by NORC; this survey provides critical insights about the behaviors and needs of Chicago area news consumers. The intended outcome of this work is to provide data that will assist Chicago newsrooms to develop appropriate audience engagement and growth strategies to better meet the information needs of Chicago residents.

To develop and produce, in partnership with WTTW/Channel 11, Chicago, a pilot television program about politically disaffected citizens in the United States.

To support a conference for journalists on post-cold war economic conversion and the arms trade.