Restoring the Role of a Free Press
Course | Available (Membership Required)
The press is the only profession specifically named and protected in the US Constitution. And that’s because our founders knew it was inextricably linked to the success of our young republic. Yet, most people’s experience with the news lately has been terrible. Extreme financial pressure has led to fewer trusted local reporters and diminished local reporting, while national media — especially cable news — has gotten louder and more divisive. Many people are tuning out, turning away, or worse, vilifying journalism as the enemy. So, what are we to do in this pivotal moment? Take journalism back. This is an updated course from Fall 2024's The Future of News & Democracy.
Christopher Baxter
Christopher Baxter is the CEO and founding editor of Spotlight PA, the largest statewide newsroom in Pennsylvania covering the state government and urgent statewide issues. The nonprofit news organization is among the most promising leading national models for reinvigorating local journalism and returning it to its roots: as a service and value to the public, answering to the public — not profit motives. In his 16 years as an investigative reporter, editor, and media executive, Baxter has routinely produced and overseen journalism that gets real results and drives significant positive change.