Local news outlets contribute to democracy and community vitality, but many are ailing. Philanthropy can help create a new business model for journalism. The newest Insight Hub brief identifies three actions for charitable individuals to take today.
Read the brief "The News Front: Three ways to help local media outlets survive and thrive" »
Over the last 35 years, Vermont's state government, local communities, and charitable individuals have partnered to successfully restore many significant structures and proved that the process revitalizes downtowns and village centers, spurs economic development, and promotes tourism. But there's more to be done. This brief shares three actions to improve and strengthen communities through historic preservation.
From time-to-time, the Insight Hub will bring you a book feature focusing on authors with Vermont connections.
To kick it off, we spoke with University of Vermont (UVM) President Emeritus Thomas Sullivan about teaching, free speech on campus, and his new book on the First Amendment titled, Free Speech: From Core Values to Current Debates, Cambridge University Press, $29.95.
Writers, editors, publishers, and media fans gathered recently in a University of Vermont (UVM) conference room to brainstorm ways to support Vermont journalism—and in the process—strengthen democracy. Lofty goal? Yes. But there was deep enthusiasm for the mission, along with recognition of the challenges facing local news outlets.
"Local government—and local democracy in America—is one of the most well-coordinated and most successful volunteer efforts in the history of the world." But there's no question that government leadership is getting more complicated. Even at the local level, you see fewer people wanting to take on this challenge, "...and that's concerning," notes Ted Brady, executive director of the Vermont League of Cities and Towns.