Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Reposted by Center for Local News

Jessica Mahone @jessmahone.bsky.social · Sep 11

✨ New report from CISLM ✨

Using IRS data from 1,600+ foundations, we mapped philanthropic capacity against journalism need across the US, finding four distinct scenarios for intervention:

Center for Local News @centerforlocalnews.bsky.social · Sep 10

🔍 Philanthropic resources and journalism need don’t always align.

Our new report by @jessmahone.bsky.social identifies 4 key quadrants — including states that urgently need intervention.

www.cislm.org/research/phi...

1 2 3

Center for Local News @centerforlocalnews.bsky.social · Sep 10

🔍 Philanthropic resources and journalism need don’t always align.

Our new report by @jessmahone.bsky.social identifies 4 key quadrants — including states that urgently need intervention.

www.cislm.org/research/phi...

Center for Local News @centerforlocalnews.bsky.social · Sep 5

43% of users asked more questions when the bot focused on news, not customer service.

Curious, honest, fast: here’s how local audiences actually use AI chatbots in newsrooms ⬇️

www.cislm.org/4-insights-a...

4 insights about news audiences from building AI chatbots for local newsrooms

From our Local NewsBot Studio report, local news audiences are open to engaging with AI, if it’s helpful, honest and relevant.

www.cislm.org

Center for Local News @centerforlocalnews.bsky.social · Aug 28

🚀We're in @niemanlab.org!

“Local newsrooms are building AI chatbots fast and cheap” dives into our latest report on chatbots in local news.

Built in <1 month, ~$40/month, we tested how news audiences wanted to use 4 chatbots. Experimentation > obligation.

www.niemanlab.org/2025/08/loca...

Local newsrooms are building AI chatbots fast and cheap

A new report tracked four small newsrooms as they launched custom chatbots built in just one month.

www.niemanlab.org

1

Reposted by Center for Local News

Andrew Deck @andrewdeck.bsky.social · Aug 26

A new report from @centerforlocalnews.bsky.social asks what it takes for small local newsrooms to build an AI chatbot.

Researchers helped four newsrooms launch experimental chatbots in under a month. But only one has committed to running theirs beyond the program. www.niemanlab.org/2025/08/loca...

Local newsrooms are building AI chatbots fast and cheap

A new report tracked four small newsrooms as they launched custom chatbots built in just one month.

www.niemanlab.org

3 6

Center for Local News @centerforlocalnews.bsky.social · Aug 25

🧠 NEW RESEARCH: What happens when local news audiences interact with AI chatbots?

We tested it. 🗣️ 185 questions, 4 bots.

From audiences, “what” + “how” led the way.
Content bots saw more engagement.
The prompts from the bots mattered.

📖 Dive into the full findings: www.cislm.org/research/loc...

Local NewsBot Studio Report | Center for Innovation & Sustainability in Local Media

The Local NewsBot Studio report explains how local news audiences interact with AI in a newsroom setting by analyzing user behavior and chatbot engagement data.

www.cislm.org

1 1

Reposted by Center for Local News

97.9 The Hill WCHL & Chapelboro.com @wchlchapelboro.bsky.social · Aug 25

WCHL is asking for your help!

We are still raising funds to replace our AM broadcasting equipment, which was destroyed by floodwaters.

Thanks to everyone who has donated so far! If you would like to do so as well, check out our GoFundMe here:

Donate to Help Restore WCHL's AM Site, Damaged by Chantal, organized by Aubrey Williams

97.9 The Hill WCHL has been broadcasting continually since 1953 and is… Aubrey Williams needs your support for Help Restore WCHL's AM Site, Damaged by Chantal

www.gofundme.com

3 3

Center for Local News @centerforlocalnews.bsky.social · Aug 21

A big thank you to our friends at @maynardinstitute.bsky.social for a wonderful event!

The Maynard Institute for Journalism Education @maynardinstitute.bsky.social · Jul 18

Thank you to our university partners at @uncchapelhill.bsky.social Hussman School of Journalism and Media and the @centerforlocalnews.bsky.social! Read more: mije.org/news/2025/07...

1 2

Center for Local News @centerforlocalnews.bsky.social · Jun 30

🗓️ Deadline today!

CISLM & @maynardinstitute.bsky.social are hosting newsroom training at UNC July 17–18 for early- & mid-career editors and managers.

🧰 Learn tactical tools, get expert coaching & join a growing support network for local news leaders.

🔗 Sign up now: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

Maynard Regional Training Registration

The Maynard Regional Training Series is the Maynard Institute's new training program for frontline editors and managers working in any platform -- e.g., print, broadcast and digital. It will provide ...

docs.google.com

1

Reposted by Center for Local News

The Maynard Institute for Journalism Education @maynardinstitute.bsky.social · Jun 27

DEADLINE June 30: The Maynard Regional Training Series for entry and mid-level editors and managers! Hosted by UNC Chapel Hill’s Hussman School of Journalism and Media and the Center for Innovation and Sustainability in Local Media @centerforlocalnews.bsky.social docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

1 1

Center for Local News @centerforlocalnews.bsky.social · Mar 20

🤔 How will AI change local news? How are journalists already using AI, and how will AI impact the business model for journalism?

Hosted by UNC's Marisa Porto, join us virtually on Monday to hear from a fabulous lineup of AI professionals from across journalism ⬇️

www.linkedin.com/events/aiand...

AI and the Future of Local News: A Pre-Conference Workshop | LinkedIn

Join us on March 24 for the AI in Journalism Pre-Conference, hosted by UNC Knight Chair in Local News and Sustainability Marisa Porto prior to the Local News Researchers Workshop. This event offers a ...

www.linkedin.com

Center for Local News @centerforlocalnews.bsky.social · Mar 13

🚨 NEW: When Hurricane Helene hit Western NC, local journalists produced 77% of articles in the aftermath, rather than relying on wire services, providing actionable info on:

🛣️ Roadways & transportation (53%)
⚡ Power restoration (45%)
🚰 Where to get food & water (38%)

www.cislm.org/research/loc...

Local News in the Eye of the Storm | Center for Innovation & Sustainability in Local Media

Local News in the Eye of the Storm: Coverage of Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina Yanan Sun, Local News Researcher Center for Innovation and Sustainability in Local Media, UNC Hussman School ...

www.cislm.org

5 4

Center for Local News @centerforlocalnews.bsky.social · Mar 7

🚀 How is AI shaping the future of local news? Join us virtually on March 24 to learn about:

🧠 Best practices for integrating AI in newsrooms
⚖️ Business & ethical implications of AI in journalism
🤝 The future of AI-powered storytelling

www.linkedin.com/events/aiand...

AI and the Future of Local News: A Pre-Conference Workshop | LinkedIn

Join us on March 24 for the AI in Journalism Pre-Conference, hosted by UNC Knight Chair in Local News and Sustainability Marisa Porto prior to the Local News Researchers Workshop. This event offers a ...

www.linkedin.com

Center for Local News @centerforlocalnews.bsky.social · Feb 13

"I’ve always said that journalism is the first draft of historical fiction, because there are so many perspectives that are left out of reporting." — @meredithdclark.bsky.social

www.niemanlab.org/2025/02/ligh...

“Lightning in a bottle”: Meredith Clark on Black Twitter’s journalistic impact, legacy — and writing its “obituary”

"No matter what the technology is, we're going to be using it."

www.niemanlab.org

5 5

Reposted by Center for Local News

Triad City Beat @triadcitybeat.bsky.social · Feb 11

Our last issue comes out on Feb. 20, and we want to include readers' voices.
triad-city-beat.com/we-need-your...

2 2

Center for Local News @centerforlocalnews.bsky.social · Feb 6

If you'd like to dive into more research from Pew Research Center, don't miss the webinar on America’s News Influencers this afternoon at 12 p.m. ET ⬇️

pewresearch.brandlive.com/America-s-Ne...

America's News Influencers

Welcome to America's News Influencers hosted by Pew Research on Brandlive!

pewresearch.brandlive.com

Center for Local News @centerforlocalnews.bsky.social · Feb 6

"(There is) a lack of understanding among the general public of the financial problems that many local news outlets have faced." — Michael Lipka, associate director of news and information research @pewresearch.org

www.cislm.org/qa-with-news...

Q&A with news and info researcher, Michael Lipka

"If I had to pull out one lesson, it would be to be very conscious that people are getting local news from all sorts of different sources, not just local news outlets."

www.cislm.org

1

Reposted by Center for Local News

Joseph L. Brechner Freedom of Information Project @brechnerfoi.bsky.social · Jan 29

Launch alert! We’re excited to introduce Secrecy Tracker, a free tool that helps you track state and federal legislation impacting your right to know.

Powered by machine learning and designed for transparency!

👉 Explore now: secrecytracker.org

#OpenGov #SecrecyTracker #BrechnerFOI

3 19 34

Reposted by Center for Local News

NC Local @nclocal.bsky.social · Jan 30

One of the most innovative local news fundraisers in North Carolina is underway this week. The DTH & Chronicle Rivalry Challenge is both a competition and a collaboration that leverages the passion UNC & Duke fans to raise $ for student journalism. More: nclocalnewsworkshop.org/news-leader-...

How two NC newsrooms turned competition into cash - NC Local News Workshop

Now in its seventh year, the Rivalry Challenge leverages a beloved annual event with audience and collaboration best practices.

nclocalnewsworkshop.org

2 6

Center for Local News @centerforlocalnews.bsky.social · Jan 30

👋 Hello, BlueSky!

We're the Center for Innovation and Sustainability in Local Media, dedicated to strengthening the local news field. We'll share:

📊 Research on newsroom sustainability & impact
💡 Resources for journalists & news organizations
🗣️ Editorial pieces about news research

www.cislm.org

UNC Center for Innovation & Sustainability in Local Media

CISLM will grow a more equitable and sustainable future for local news, the journalists who make it and the communities that need it. Through the intersection of research, education and practice, we w...

www.cislm.org