Media organizations secure funding for independent newsrooms in California

For months, media equity organizations, including American Community Media, California Black Media and the Latino Media Collaborative, among others, have been working to move forward state legislation that could support local news and secure funding for independent newsrooms. 

In California, access to quality local news has been affected by federal cuts. According to the Local Journalism Index, the Golden State ranks among the 10 worst states in the entire country in terms of the number of local journalists per 100,000 residents. 

In an effort to secure the newsroom's sustainability and combat news deserts, or areas lacking an original, reliable source of local information in California, media organizations have partnered with journalism programs and California assembly members and senators. 

Earlier this month, media equity organizations celebrated a grand win for local outlets after Governor Gavin Newsom announced a $20 million investment that looks to reshape the future of local journalism in the state.

Newsom formally announced a $20 million boost to the California Civic Media Program, designed to fund the state's local news ecosystem.

With that investment, Newsom announced that individual newsrooms are now eligible to apply for grants for up to $250,000. 

To be eligible, a news organization must be legally registered and operating in California, have at least three years of operation, produce original, fact-based content on state or local matters of public interest and maintain a publicly posted ethics and correction policy. 

Arturo Carmona, president of the Latino Media Collaborative, called this funding “historic” and said this was a big win not only in keeping California informed, but also in making sure working-class communities have equitable avenues of information that are culturally and factually accurate.

“Sustaining Latino and news media serving communities of color is a non-negotiable public infrastructure necessity,” he said. “This historic victory ensures that trusted newsrooms reflecting and serving California’s diverse population can continue their essential work.” 

The Latino Media Collaborative is the publisher of CALÓ News. 

Some of the state's funding will also go to reporting and editing fellowships and newsroom leadership training such as the UC Berkeley Journalism-based California Local News Fellowship, which is the nation’s largest publicly funded journalism initiative and the Maynard Institute’s Propel Initiative, a leadership and newsroom sustainability effort. 

At the California Local News Fellowship program, early-career reporting fellows are placed in independent newsrooms serving communities from Shasta County to the Inland Empire. As of today, 110 fellows have produced more than 10,000 stories on issues including immigration, housing, education and more.

“The tireless advocacy and coordinated effort of this coalition over the last several weeks showed lawmakers the true, undeniable power of the community press. This $15 million renewal is a crucial victory for information equity, ensuring our newsrooms can continue reporting on the ground where it matters most,” Julian Do, co-director of American Community Media, said. “Looking ahead, this isn’t just a budget win for today; it is a vital launchpad for building a sustainable, long-term ecosystem for ethnic media across California.”

The state's $20 million investment is matched by additional funding from Google to support the state’s journalism ecosystem. 

Regina Brown Wilson, executive director of California Black Media, said this type of investment will not only help Californians stay informed, but it will also contribute to people's civic engagement in the coming months and years. 

“This investment is a testament to the value California’s leaders place on the role local newsrooms and community advocates play in our civic life,” she said. “I’m grateful to Governor Newsom, lawmakers, our coalition partners, and supporters across state government for fighting side by side with us to secure the funds necessary to strengthen California’s media infrastructure and keep trusted local information flowing to the people who need it most.” 

Local and state news outlets can apply now for funding through the California Civic Media Program. The deadline for all applications is August 21, 2026.