Radically Rural, the national summit that helps small communities thrive, returns Sept. 25-26 with community journalism sessions designed to connect rural newsrooms with resources to help them achieve sustainability and uphold democracy in their communities.
Journalists can select their registration price points based on their ability to afford to attend the summit in downtown Keene, N.H. Attendees can register for as little as no charge up to the full summit price of $175. The New England Newspaper and Press Association and Franklin Pierce University sponsor Radically Rural’s journalism track.
Radically Rural’s journalism programming kicks off with an opportunity to connect in small groups with leaders of more than a half-dozen journalism support organizations. Participants include representatives from the American Press Institute, Institute for Nonprofit News, Report For America, Solutions Journalism Network, Reynolds Journalism Institute, and LION Publishers.
The second session will feature three newsroom leaders from around the country sharing their experience on upholding journalism’s critical role in our democracy.
“Radically Rural’s journalism track always aims to support the sustainability of small-town newsrooms, and promote outstanding reporting in rural communities,” said Jack Rooney, co-track leader and managing editor for audience development at The Keene Sentinel. “This year, we’re excited to offer a wealth of practical tips to amplify newsroom success on both of those fronts.”
The Sentinel partners with the Hannah Grimes Center for Entrepreneurship each year to stage Radically Rural, which features solutions-based sessions for small communities on seven tracks – community journalism, land use, downtowns, health care, entrepreneurship, arts and culture and clean energy.
To register to attend or learn more about the programming, go to www.radicallyrural.org
Here’s a look at the 2024 journalism track:
September 25 | 2:00PM – 3:30PM | Heberton Hall
“I Can Help with That”: Connecting You with Resources to Help Your Rural News Organization
A growing network of resources nationwide provides all sorts of help to news organizations small and large. But how do you even begin to tap into these support organizations? In this session, you’ll meet more than a half-dozen news leaders whose organizations can help your rural newsroom thrive by connecting you with practical tools to secure a sustainable future for your organization. You’ll get the chance to meet in small groups with industry experts for a dynamic conversation that will continue throughout the rest of the summit.
Speakers: Shay Totten, Newsroom Success Manager, American Press Institute; Alana Rocha, Rural News Network Editor, Institute for Nonprofit News; Morgan Baum, Director of Local News Sustainability, Report For America; Melissa Cassutt, Rural Media Manager, Solutions Journalism Network; Emily Lytle, Innovation in Focus Editor, Reynolds Journalism Institute; Samantha Matsumoto, Community Engagement Manager, LION Publishers
September 26 | 2:00PM – 3:30PM | SHOWROOM
Defending Democracy: How Three Rural Newsrooms are Upholding Civic Values in a Pivotal Election Year
A little more than a month after Radically Rural, millions of Americans will head to the polls at a time when democracy is under threat in our country. Rural newsrooms often experience these threats firsthand, especially in an election year. In this session, three rural newsroom leaders will share practical tips ranging from creating community-centric election guides to building trust in a variety of political landscapes.
Moderator: Anthony Payton, Publisher, Nashua Digital
Speakers: Annelise Pierce, Director & Managing Editor, Shasta Scout; Angilee Shah, CEO & Editor-in-Chief, Charlottesville Tomorrow; Angel Ellis, Director, Advocate, & Journalist, Mvskoke Media