ELON, NC / ACCESS Newswire / February 27, 2025 / With a $1.5 million investment from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and additional funding from philanthropic organizations including Arnold Ventures, a bold, new nonprofit news initiative is launching in North Carolina to expand access to critical local journalism, strengthen statehouse coverage, and develop service-driven news products.
Launched by media leader Shannan Bowen, NC Local builds on the foundation of the NC Local News Workshop, which has supported journalists across the state since 2020. Based at the Elon University School of Communications and funded by the North Carolina Local News Lab Fund, the NC Local News Workshop was launched in 2020 to help news and information providers connect, convene and build capacity. Now an independent, statewide hub for news innovation, NC Local is designed to enhance - not replace - North Carolina's diverse local news ecosystem by adding reporting capacity, newsroom tools and infrastructure that help journalists better serve their communities. The core mission is to ensure North Carolinians have access to more information about how statewide issues affect their communities.
Its first major initiative, the WNC Housing Guide, is a free, comprehensive resource designed to help North Carolinians navigate renters' rights, home repair and rebuilding in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene (wnchousingguide.org). Developed in partnership with local organizations in Western NC, the guide reflects NC Local's commitment to journalism that directly serves communities, combining strong reporting with practical tools to help residents make informed decisions. Other initiatives will include localized reporting on state-level decisions that will be available to news partners, in addition to other collaborative products and services.
"Knight Foundation's investment allows us to take everything we've learned from the NC Local News Workshop and build something that meets the needs of both communities and our news partners - scaling access to local journalism across the state," said Bowen, founder and CEO of NC Local. "This is about strengthening what already makes North Carolina's news landscape special and making sure more people have access to the information they need to stay informed and engaged."
Under Bowen's leadership, NC Local welcomes an experienced and growing board of journalism, technology, and philanthropic leaders. Melanie Sill, former News & Observer executive editor and NC Local News Workshop founder, will serve as board chair. Other board members include Una Kelley, philanthropy leader at The Associated Press; Orage Quarles III, former publisher of The News & Observer and board chair of Journalism Funding Partners; Daniel Williams, co-founder and CEO of BlueLena; Dr. T. Kenn Gaither, dean of Elon University School of Communications; and Jed Williams, chief operating officer and chief revenue officer for Lookout Local. Scott Manuel (chief of strategy and operations for H&R Block) is a strategic advisor, and the Board is accepting proposals from people interested in serving on the board.
NC Local is also inviting journalists, funders, and civic leaders to the 2025 NC News & Information Summit on Wednesday, March 12 at North Carolina Central University. The Summit will feature a keynote panel moderated by Dean Baquet, former executive editor of The New York Times, addressing the vital role of Western North Carolina journalists and information providers in covering the impact and aftermath of Hurricane Helene, one of the state's most devastating natural disasters.
For partnership, funding, or career opportunities, visit NC Local or contact Shannan Bowen at shannan@nclocal.org.
About NC Local
Backed by a $1.5 million investment from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and funding from other philanthropy organizations including Arnold Ventures, NC Local is a bold new nonprofit newsroom expanding access to high-quality journalism across North Carolina. Founded by Shannan Bowen and evolving from the NC Local News Workshop, NC Local is strengthening statehouse reporting, developing service-driven news products and equipping local journalists with the resources they need to serve their communities. Learn more and sign up for updates at nclocal.org.
SOURCE: NC Local
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