FORJ Rural and Small-Town Journalism Conference
July 29-30, 2026
From Survival to Sustainability:
The Oregon Opportunity
Join us for FORJ's 4th Annual Journalism conference for publishers, editors, reporters, philanthropists, strategists, and academics on July 29 and 30 at the beautiful Central Oregon Community College in Bend, Oregon. This conference has become the state’s leading independent and emerging journalism convening —uniting the community, providing trainings and offering access to new funding sources and strategies.
This year, we're pleased to host representatives from Press Forward, Rebuild Local News, Associated Press, The Trust for Civic Life, the Oregon Legislature and other impactful partners helping to shape Oregon's opportunity to grow and sustain independent journalism statewide.
FORJ is committed to strengthening the long‑term infrastructure, workforce, and shared systems that independent, rural, small‑town, and emerging local news organizations need to thrive. We believe a statewide rural and small-town civic information system that is resilient and locally driven strengthens democracy, deepens public trust, and ensures that every person has the agency to shape their future in the place they call home. Read our insights report.
This once-a-year event brings the journalism community together to strengthen the state's civic information backbone so Oregonians across the state have the news and resources they need to thrive. Don't miss it!
DON'T MISS THE WELCOME RECEPTION
The FORJ Rural and Small Town Journalism Conference will begin with a reception from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 29 at Elevation on the COCC campus with hosted bar and appetizers. At the reception, Adam Davis of NW Opinions will present highlights from the Oregon Independent Publisher Sustainability Report commissioned by FORJ earlier this year. The report shows that despite operating with lean staffs and limited resources, publishers remain optimistic about the future — with more than half planning to expand coverage in the next three years. The findings point to strong demand for strategic investment and programmatic support in digital growth, audience development, and revenue operations, while reinforcing the essential role local news organizations continue to play as trusted civic infrastructure in Oregon communities. Come away with a deeper understanding of Oregon's local news landscape—and fresh inspiration for the conversations and collaborations ahead.
AFFORDABLE OVERNIGHT LODGING AVAILABLE
Overnight lodging is available in the COCC Wickiup Residence Hall for Wednesday, July 29 and Thursday, July 30.
Questions about the conference? Please contact FORJ at info@forjournalism.org
CONFERENCE PROGRAM
REGISTRATION AND SIGN-IN: 8-8:30 A.M.
OPENING REMARKS: 8:30-8:45 A.M.
KEYNOTE: 8:45-9:30 A.M.
Local News as Civic Infrastructure
Charlie Brown is a design strategy expert and pioneer in community engagement who has spent his career exploring the intersections of community, strategy, and social impact. As Executive Director of the Trust for Civic Life, Charlie works with the Trust's funding partners to champion locally-led efforts that bring people together, strengthen civic participation, and build trust in communities across the country. In 2026, Charlie was recognized on the TIME100 Philanthropy list as one of the 100 most influential leaders shaping the future of giving. Charlie brings decades of experience shaping experiences and building networks around the world, including leading democracy grantmaking for Alta Futures, founding a global design strategy firm that served Fortune 500s and top philanthropists, and creating an online community of social innovators from over 100 countries. His work has been featured in Harvard Business Review, Forbes, FastCoExist.com, and Stanford Social Innovation Review. He lives in Bend, Oregon with his family and can often be found in the surrounding mountains.
Charlie Brown,
Trust for Civic Life
SESSION ONE: 9:40-10:30 A.M.
Jan Pytalski, Daily Yonder
What National Media Misses About Rural Communities
A discussion of how and why national media frequently gets rural America wrong. When rural America gets the spotlight in mainstream media, often more harm than good comes of it. Whether out of cynicism or ignorance, rural coverage lacks nuance and we'll talk about how to engage with it in a—hopefully—productive way.
Jan Pytalski is the Senior News Editor for the Daily Yonder, a news site published by the Center for Rural Strategies covering rural issues nationally. Jan is originally from Poland, where he started working as a reporter for Reuters. He’s a graduate of the University of Warsaw and the University of Rochester. Prior to joining the Daily Yonder, Jan covered Appalachia as a freelancer and worked for Reuters’ Washington bureau, helping with coverage of the White House.
Innovative Tools Track
Stephen and Renee Allen
Going non-profit: Times Journal
The Times-Journal, located in Condon, Oregon, is in its 141st year of publication, and its first year as a nonprofit organization. The TJ serves Oregon's three smallest counties: Wheeler, Gilliam, and Sherman. Two of these counties are news deserts... but not for long. Frontier Oregon Nonprofit News (FONN) Executive Director and Times-Journal Editor-In-Chief Stephen Allen shares inspiration, strategy, and the realities of nonprofit conversion.
A sixth-generation rural Oregonian, Stephen Allen was raised in Wheeler County and Morrow County. After finishing his master's degree in International Development Studies, Stephen worked for the International Rescue Committee in Arizona and Virginia. In 2019, he returned home and purchased The Times-Journal newspaper in Condon. Stephen has 17 years of experience in the nonprofit sector and on July 4, 2026, converted The Times-Journal into a nonprofit organization.
Emerging Models Track
Stay Tuned! Session details to come
Digital Strategies Track
SESSION TWO: 11:10 A.M.-12:15 P.M.
SESSION TWO: 10:40-11:30 A.M.
Andrew DeVigal, University of Oregon School of Journalism & Communication
Three Modes of AI in the Newsroom
AI encompasses multiple distinct approaches, and treating it as a single entity can hinder progress in local newsrooms. This session provides a practical framework by distinguishing among conversational AI (tools commonly in use), workflow-embedded AI (tools that subtly alter story assignment, editing, and distribution), and agentic AI (systems that autonomously act without explicit prompts). Drawing on real-world examples from newsrooms of varying sizes, we will examine the capabilities and risks of each mode and discuss how small and rural outlets can make informed decisions without requiring dedicated technical teams.
Andrew DeVigal holds the endowed chair in journalism innovation and civic engagement at the University of Oregon's School of Journalism & Communication, where he directs the Agora Journalism Center, focused on the future of local news and civic health. His work centers on how emerging technology changes journalism practice. Prior, he served as multimedia editor at The New York Times, where he led the team that built story forms and workflows that reshaped how the industry thinks about storytelling. He brings that same lens to AI: not what's possible in theory, but what's actually useful in a newsroom like yours.
Innovative Tools Track
Brendan Anderson, Newsberg
Independent Small-Town Playbook
Oregon's rural communities are losing local news at an alarming rate, and journalists who could fill that gap are often starting from scratch, alone. But the tools have never been better. Digital-first publishing, low-cost distribution, and data-driven audience growth have made it possible to launch a credible local newsroom on a fraction of what it once cost. This session explores how rural and startup news publishers across Oregon can collaborate to share what's working—building a practical playbook that uses today's technology to bring real local journalism back to the communities that need it most.
Branden Andersen is the founder and publisher of Newsberg, an independent, community-focused news outlet serving Newberg and Dundee. He began his journalism career in 2007 with the Hickory Daily Record and went on to study at the University of Oregon. Andersen has contributed professionally to outlets including Portland Monthly Magazine, The Bend Bulletin, Northwest Brewing News, New School Beer, and Oregon Public Broadcasting. Through Newsberg, he focuses on accessible, neighbor-driven reporting that connects residents with their local community.
Emerging Models Track
Blair Garland, BrightTools founder
AI-Powered Newsletters for Lean Newsrooms
Newsletters are one of the most effective ways for local news organizations to stay connected with readers. Yet many newsrooms struggle to produce them consistently because newsletter creation adds hours of formatting, editing, image handling and assembly work to already stretched teams. This session explores practical ways local news organizations can streamline newsletter workflows using AI and automation while maintaining full editorial control. Through real-world examples and a live demonstration, attendees will see how existing reporting can be transformed into a polished newsletter in minutes rather than hours—helping journalists spend more time creating content and serving their communities.
Blair Garland is founder of BrightTools and creator of BrightNewsletter, an AI-powered platform that helps organizations transform existing content into polished newsletters in a fraction of the time. He also serves as Senior Advisor for Enterprise AI in Marketing and Communications at Oregon State University, where he has helped guide AI adoption and implementation across marketing functions. Previously, he served as Chief Marketing and Engagement Officer at OSU-Cascades. With more than 25 years of experience in marketing, communications and technology, Blair focuses on practical ways AI can reduce operational work and strengthen audience engagement.
Digital Strategies Track
LUNCH & ROUNDTABLE: 11:30 A.M - 1 P.M.
The Future of Local News:
Policy, Philanthropy and the Path Forward
Local journalism is attracting unprecedented attention from philanthropy, policymakers, and national organizations working to strengthen community news. Join leaders from across the field for a candid conversation about emerging opportunities and statewide initiatives.
Caroline Merenda
Director of Chapter Advancement-Press Forward
Merenda leads efforts to grow and strengthen Press Forward’s local chapter network and increase their impact nationwide. Previously, Merenda spent 13 years at CFLeads, a national network of community foundations committed to community leadership. She most recently served as Chief of Staff and advanced the organization’s efficiency, success, and impact. She also led the development, onboarding, and launch of new partnerships and programs, managed key stakeholder relationships, refined program strategies, and ensured the effective use of program resources. Merenda co-facilitated the CFLeads Gun Violence Prevention Network and the CFLeads/Welcoming America Community of Practice and was a member of the CFLeads/Connecting Communities in the Americas (CCA) Steering Committee. Prior to joining CFLeads, Merenda was senior program officer at Rochester Area Community Foundation, where she advanced early childhood and out-of-school time strategies through grantmaking, community partnerships, and advocacy. Merenda earned a bachelor’s degree from Marist College (Poughkeepsie, NY) in communications with a concentration in journalism and a minor in political science. While at Marist College she did polling/research for the Marist Institute of Public Opinion and interned for political reporter Gabe Pressman at WNBC-TV New York.
Eric Prock
Wave3 Advisors, Founder
Eric Prock is a senior advisor for Rebuild Local News and the founder of Wave 3 Advisors, a consultancy focused on developing innovative strategies to address the complex set of challenges facing journalists and local news publishers. Previously, Prock led the development of the Microsoft Journalism Initiative, a new effort within the Corporate and Social Responsibility portfolio, focused on helping to strengthen local news ecosystems, restore trust and confidence in news, and provide cyber and legal security for journalists. Working together with journalists, publishers, academics and researchers, industry organizations and the next generation of reporters and news readers to explore new hybrid business and operating models, emerging technologies and pro bono services. In addition to his consulting work, Eric serves on the board of the Central Valley Journalism Collaborative, a new nonprofit superstructure dedicated to keeping public service journalism thriving in California’s Central Valley.
Jim Clarke
Associated Press
Jim Clarke is director of membership and major accounts for the Associated Press, capping a 33-year career that has taken him across the country in a variety of reporting, editing, leadership, and business roles. A Rhode Island native, Clarke has worked from Alaska to the Mountain West and the Great Plains, covering major stories including the Iditarod, the 2002 Winter Olympics, the Elizabeth Smart disappearance, and the BTK serial killer case. Before joining the AP, he covered the energy industry in Washington, D.C., and worked at community newspapers in Virginia and Rhode Island. He lives in Colorado with his wife, Jennifer.
Matt Pierce
Director of Policy-Rebuild Local News
Matt Pearce is the Director of Policy for Rebuild Local News, a national nonprofit coalition that advocates for effective public policies to support community news and information. He is a former staff writer for the Los Angeles Times and president of Media Guild of the West. He contributed to The Times' 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News. A graduate of the University of Missouri, he lives in Los Angeles.
Senator Anthony Broadman
Oregon State Senator, District 27
Anthony has served as a Bend City Councilor since 2020, including as Mayor Pro Tem in 2022. He serves as an attorney for Tribal governments and small businesses and is also the Chief Judge of the Warm Springs Court of Appeals. After graduating from law school and residency, Anthony and his wife, Dr. Kate Broadman, moved to Bend to raise a family, build a small business, and serve Central Oregon. Anthony has served Tribal housing authorities and regulatory agencies and works regularly to resolve conflicts with the federal government, and local and state governments. He serves on the Deschutes County Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSCC), on the Board of EDCO, as Board President of the Horner Cycling Foundation, as ex officio member of the Downtown Bend Business Association Board of Directors, and as member of the Deschutes Collaborative Forest Steering Committee. He has served as chairman of the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council and the Oregon State Bar Indian Law Section, as well as on the Grace First Lutheran Church Council. He is an avid cyclist, skier, and hunter and the father of three daughters in Bend public schools.
SESSION THREE: 1:15-2:15 P.M.
Rusty Rae, Oregon Public Information Partnership
Develop a Community Donation Program
As the financial landscape of the world of newspapers has changed, particularly over the last 20 years publishers have had to look for additional revenue streams. Oregon Public Information Partnership (OPIP) has developed a community donation program that is benefitting partner organizations. The program will review the development process, speak to requirements, and its additional focus on a community partners program which engages business partners, subscribers, supporters, and donors.
There will plenty of time for questions.
Rusty Rae is an award-winning writer, editor, photojournalist, and a photo educator. He became executive director of Oregon Public Information Partnership (OPIP) in 2020. As executive director, he brings a broad range of experience and skills to the non-profit organization as well as a devotion to servant leadership. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Linfield University and an MBA from the University of Washington. He is passionate about his work with independent community newspapers that serve their readers with civic journalism. "The work community newspapers do makes a difference in each reader's life. Strong communities begin with strong newspapers," he notes. He’s traveled extensively in the U.S. and abroad. He and his wife, Sheila Hunter, reside in McMinnville with their Westie, Winston. In any weather they love to explore Oregon and the Oregon Coast in their Sprinter RV.
Justin Pritchard, Associated Press-Local News Investigations
FOIA Strategies and Realities
After reviewing the basics of public records act requests, this workshop introduces an array of advanced—but easily replicable—approaches to structuring requests and negotiating when an agency resists release. If you’re new to this reporting tool, you’ll gain actionable tips that can land exclusive documents or data. If you’ve used state or federal open records act requests before, you’ll gain new insights into getting what you are entitled to the law. Either way, bring your questions and experiences.
Justin Pritchard is a veteran investigative reporter and editor who has used federal and state records act requests to change law and policy across a range of issues, including policing, sexual assault, military weaponry, consumer and environmental protections, airport security and self-driving cars. He also has trained hundreds of reporters on investigative and public records techniques. Currently, as Deputy Director of AP’s Local Investigative Reporting Program, he helps run the “Forever Stained” collaborative investigation (with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, FRONTLINE, AL.com and The Post and Courier) into PFAS and the U.S. carpet industry.
Innovative Tools Track
Emerging Models Track
Get More Out of Your Tech Stack
Digital Strategies Track
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Frustrated with Google Analytics? Not sure you're tracking things correctly? In this session we'll cover how to keep your GA4 data accurate, automate day-to-day reporting, and use AI tools to better understand user behavior and make smarter business decisions. We'll look at GA4 account settings, automations, reporting in Data Studio and new AI-features. This is all about keeping things simple and maximizing free analytics tools so that you can spend less time in the software and more time on your business.
Stephen Howsley
Surf Analytics
Steven Howsley is a marketing analyst, consultant, and analytics strategist with 8+ years of experience helping brands turn marketing data into better decisions. His work spans GA4, SEO, CRO, data visualization, and digital marketing strategy. As a Sr. Marketing Analyst at REI, Steven uses advanced analysis tools and techniques to support strategic decisions across digital marketing and web experiences. Previously, he was Director of Analytics & SEO at Gravitate, where he led analytics, SEO, and CRO programs for high-volume eCommerce stores and fast-growing B2B startups. Through his consulting and software company, Surf Analytics, Steven helps businesses manage GA4, build custom reporting dashboards, and uncover hidden value in their marketing stacks.
COFFEE AND TREATS: 2:30 P.M.-3 P.M.
CAPSTONE PANEL: 3-4:15 P.M.
Who Will Tell the Story: Building Journalism Pathways for Oregon's Rural and Small-Town Communities
Across Oregon, new partnerships are creating pathways into local journalism for students, emerging reporters, and community storytellers. From FORJ's Future Journalists of America high school program and COCC's journalism pathway to place-based mentorships and regional initiatives like WSU's Rural Plunge, this session highlights the innovative workforce efforts helping strengthen the future of local news in Oregon's rural and small-town communities.
Torsten Kjellstrand
University of Oregon
Torsten Kjellstrand has worked to tell stories with under-represented and
misrepresented communities for three decades. He is a Professor of Practice at the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication in Eugene, Oregon. He worked as a newspaper photographer at The Herald (Dubois County, Indiana), The Spokesman-Review (Spokane, Washington), and The Oregonian (Portland, Oregon). He was named Photographer of the Year by Pictures of the Year, studied as a Fulbright Scholar in comparative literature, and spent a year at Stanford University as a John S. Knight Fellow.
Lisa Waananen Jones
Washington State University
Lisa Waananen Jones is an associate professor of practice at The Edward R. Murrow College of Communication at Washington State University, where she teaches courses related to visual communication and civic journalism. She is the organizer of the university's Rural Reporting Plunge experiential learning program, which sends teams of student journalists into rural communities around the Columbia River region to listen and learn without the pressure of strict deadlines. Her own work focuses on data and visuals at the intersection of local and national news, and she was a key data contributor to The New York Times Covid-19 coverage awarded the 2021 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service.
Jan Pytalski
Daily Yonder
Jan Pytalski is the Senior News Editor for the Daily Yonder, a news site published by the Center for Rural Strategies covering rural issues nationally. Jan is originally from Poland, where he started working as a reporter for Reuters. He’s a graduate of the University of Warsaw and the University of Rochester. Prior to joining the Daily Yonder, Jan covered Appalachia as a freelancer and worked for Reuters’ Washington bureau, helping with coverage of the White House.
Lily Raff McCaulou
Central Oregon Community College
Lily Raff McCaulou was a staff reporter at The Bulletin for 11 years. As a freelance journalist, she has written for The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Guardian, Rolling Stone and many other publications. She has won numerous awards and a Knight-Wallace Fellowship at the University of Michigan. She is the author of one non-fiction book, which The San Francisco Chronicle named one of the best books of 2012. Since 2021 she has worked at Central Oregon Community College as a part-time journalism instructor and advisor for the student newspaper, The Broadside.
CLOSING REMARKS: 4:15 P.M.
FORJ Board President
Heidi Wright
Heidi Wright is a seasoned media executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience in local journalism. As the former publisher of multiple community newspapers and a longtime advocate for independent, rural news, she brings a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing small-market outlets. At the helm of the Fund for Oregon Rural Journalism, Heidi focuses on supporting news organizations through sustainable business models, mentorship, and innovation. Her work is grounded in a belief that credible, local journalism is essential to civic life, especially in underserved communities.
