Our Insights and Approach
Oregon is positioned to demonstrate what intentional, statewide investment in independent local journalism can achieve. By aligning workforce pathways, shared infrastructure, publisher support, and collaborative reporting, the state can actively build—rather than hope for—a durable network of independent community-serving news organizations.
FORJ is Oregon’s only organization dedicated to strengthening local journalism in Oregon’s rural, small‑town, and emerging newsrooms through building the long‑term infrastructure, workforce, and shared systems they need to thrive.
Learn more about our thinking, strategies, and approach in our white paper, From Decline to Regenerative Growth in Oregon Journalism: Transforming Local News in Oregon Through Infrastructure, Workforce and Innovation.
FORJ at Work: Elevating Solutions for Shared Challenges
The FORJ Rural and Small-Town Journalism Conference is Oregon's premier convening of publishers, editors, reporters, philanthropists, strategists, and academics. On July 29-30, 2026, members of the journalism community gathered at Central Oregon Community College in Bend, Oregon, to forward the most substantial ideas for strengthening rural journalism today. Check out the key highlights below and learn more on the conference page.
Adam Davis of Northwest Opinions presented at the reception on the challenges, needs and opportunities facing Oregon’s independent publishers. The full report will be released in fall.
A noon panel on Policy, Philanthropy and the Path Forward for local news in Oregon featured several national organizations and Oregon State Senator Anthony Broadman.
Charlie Brown of the Trust for Civic Life shared a keynote address on rebuilding civic life and the role of trusted local news, describing news as critical for small town communities.
A capstone panel on Journalism Pathways for Rural Communities focused on work happening around the state to build journalism and workforce pathways for rural communities.
Photos by Joe Kline, FORJ