The six-month Local Media Association program will help build sustainable philanthropic support for community-centered journalism in Colorado.

Empower Media Exchange (EMX) has been selected to participate in the 2026 national cohort of the Local Media Association’s Lab for Journalism Funding.

EMX is one of 20 news organizations from across the country chosen for the intensive six-month program, which helps local news organizations develop sustainable philanthropic funding strategies for essential journalism.

The cohort brings together organizations serving communities of different sizes and backgrounds, including nonprofit newsrooms, family-owned publications, public media organizations and publishers focused on traditionally underserved audiences. Participants share a commitment to civic journalism and reporting that responds to the priorities of their communities.

For EMX, the selection represents an important step toward building the infrastructure needed to sustain and expand trusted, community-centered local news in Colorado.

Building a sustainable future for community journalism

EMX was founded to strengthen the local news ecosystem by increasing representation, supporting the next generation of media professionals and creating opportunities for communities to participate in the storytelling process.

Through the Lab for Journalism Funding, EMX will develop a comprehensive philanthropic strategy to support that work. Participants will establish fundraising goals, receive customized coaching and create a journalism project that can be presented to prospective funders.

The program will also include collaborative learning with other newsroom leaders, an in-person training and opportunities to compete for stipends that can help launch proposed journalism projects.

EMX plans to use the experience to strengthen the long-term sustainability of Front Range Focus, its digital and print news platform, while continuing to develop the Community Information Commons and other participatory journalism initiatives.

These efforts are designed to create more accessible pathways for residents, students, nonprofit leaders and community organizations to contribute to local storytelling, identify information needs and help shape coverage that reflects their experiences.

Investing in journalism that serves communities

The traditional business model for local journalism has changed significantly, leaving many communities with fewer reporters, reduced coverage and limited access to trustworthy local information.

Philanthropy has become one important part of a diversified sustainability strategy for news organizations producing public-service and community-focused journalism. The Lab for Journalism Funding is designed to help publishers build those relationships while maintaining the editorial independence and community accountability essential to credible journalism.

Since its launch in 2020, the lab has helped nearly 200 participating news organizations raise more than $40 million to support local reporting. The 2026 national cohort is supported by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

The opportunity builds on EMX’s growing work across journalism, media education and community engagement. The organization produces multimedia reporting, provides hands-on learning and mentorship for emerging media professionals and partners with community organizations to elevate perspectives that have historically been overlooked or excluded.

As the organization continues to grow, the lab will provide tools and guidance to connect that work with funders who recognize local journalism as essential civic infrastructure.

Participation in the cohort will begin in August. EMX looks forward to learning alongside news organizations from across the country and applying those lessons to create lasting support for journalism that is accessible, representative and responsive to Colorado communities.