Press Forward - Community Foundation of North Florida

Informed and engaged residents are essential to a community's success.

“The Press Forward national initiative supports communities like ours by strengthening local news and information, helping people stay informed, connected, and engaged in civic life.”

– Katrina Rolle, President & CEO, Community Foundation of North Florida

Press Forward North Florida is proud to announce a groundbreaking collaboration to launch the
Rural News Service (RNS) Click here to learn more!

OUR VISION

Press Forward North Florida aims to bring together community stakeholders to identify local information needs and facilitate the co-creation of solutions that revitalize civic engagement and ensure the long-term resiliency of trusted local news in our community.

With support from a $1 million grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, we are investing in research, partnerships, and dialogue that will lay the groundwork for innovative and sustainable approaches.

OUR APPROACH

We start by listening – closely and intentionally – to the people who matter most: the residents of our community

In 2025:

Engage research partners to conduct in-depth consumer media market analysis to learn where residents go for news, what they need, and what gaps exist.
Convene media leaders to share findings and facilitate actionable solutions that support sustainable, community-informed local news.

Breaking News!

The Rural News Service (RNS)

Press Forward North Florida is proud to announce a groundbreaking collaboration to launch the Rural News Service (RNS), a regional initiative designed to strengthen local news and expand access to trusted information in Florida’s rural Panhandle communities.

In partnership with WFSU Public Media/Florida State University, WTXL, and the Florida A&M University School of Journalism and Graphic Communication, this multi-institutional effort will address longstanding information gaps by supporting rural news organizations and amplifying community-centered reporting.

Key Objectives of the Rural News Service

Establish a satellite reporting hub in the western Panhandle staffed by a dedicated journalist

Bridge the information divide in rural counties through responsive, community-driven reporting

Develop sustainable content-sharing channels for rural newspapers and media outlets

Provide hands-on training and professional development for journalism students in underserved areas

Counties Covered by RNS

The Rural News Service will engage residents through listening sessions, audience surveys, and social media outreach to ensure coverage reflects the lived experience and priorities of local communities.

Emphasizing arts, culture, history, and civic life, the initiative will produce long-form journalism and digital content tailored to rural audiences.

Press Forward North Florida funding for the Rural News Service is provided by Press Forward Catalyst Funds.

Rural News Service Partners

PRESS FORWARD LOCALS: TRUST BEGINS CLOSE TO HOME

Press Forward Locals are a network of chapters across the country that engage community stakeholders to strengthen and grow local news. These chapters enable funders, like the Community Foundation of North Florida, to invest in place-based initiatives shaped by the unique information needs of their communities.

ABOUT PRESS FORWARD

Press Forward is a network with chapters nationwide, working to strengthen local news so communities stay informed, connected and engaged. With more than 40 place-based chapters and over $400 million invested, we support sustainable models, close coverage gaps, and cultivate the local news champions that help ensure everyone has access to reliable information. Together, we can write a new story for local news.