Report

Our suggested fixes, in order from "small potatoes" to "big fish to fry."

Here we detail what journalism can learn from other fields where professionals have endeavored to bridge research and practice — namely, medicine and education.

There are many benefits to bridging the gap between academic research and journalism. At the same time, the size of that gap should not be understated. And even more crucially, to bridge the gap, we must understand how it came to be.

Journalism research is no silver bullet. But it does offer crucial insights based on evidence and rigorous peer review, which may support news organizations more effectively than their long-standing practice of following tradition or informed hunches.

We imagine a future where evidence, data and peer assessment support decision-making in journalism — whether by reporters, editors or news executives — and where journalism better informs the questions researchers ask.

A rundown of challenges and opportunities for local media and funders interested in this work. 

A framework for describing what local opinion journalism does for democracy. 

Longtime philanthropic supporters of journalism are doubling down on local journalism specifically—and encouraging others to join them.

The American Press Institute has helped news leaders position their work for their community to get support from potential funders, donors and sponsors. Here are some resources that may help you.

Local media that seek to partner with philanthropy to reimagine local opinion journalism can turn to and get inspiration from a growing body of related research. Here are findings to inform or help make the case for your projects.