Looking Forward Our Way
98 Signal Ohio is Bridging News Deserts and Fueling Civic Empowerment
In this episode of "Looking Forward Our Way," hosts Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson welcome Rita McNeil Danish, the CEO of Signal Ohio, to discuss the transformative impact of nonprofit journalism in Ohio communities.
With a focus on promoting civic engagement, fostering community involvement, and addressing news deserts, this insightful conversation sheds light on the critical role of nonprofit news organizations in reinvigorating local journalism and connecting with diverse audiences. Here's a comprehensive overview of the episode:
Fostering Civic Engagement and Accountability
The episode begins with an exploration of the growing trust in media and its positive influence on civic engagement. The hosts and Rita delve into the impact of media presence on the behavior of politicians and the challenges associated with educating the electorate about government and journalism. Rita emphasizes the importance of involving and educating young people in journalism through internships and fellowships to address this challenge effectively.
Sustainability and Revenue Models
Rita provides valuable insights into Signal Ohio's mission to target underserved communities and create an ecosystem of accessible, impactful news without a paywall. The organization's commitment to diversifying revenue streams is highlighted, reflecting its focus on achieving long-term sustainability through innovative strategies such as member sales, ads, and philanthropic giving.
Impact Beyond Journalism
The discussion further emphasizes the broader impact of nonprofit news on community and civic engagement, steering away from dictating opinions and instead providing thoughtful explainers for complex issues. Rita sheds light on Signal Ohio's current focus on local issues and their aspirations to develop a statehouse newsroom in the future, underlining their dedication to addressing major election issues, gerrymandering, and providing voters with crucial information on local ballot issues and judicial races.
Expanding Influence in Ohio
Rita shares the dynamic approach of Signal Ohio in reaching diverse audiences and delivering news through multiple mediums, including websites, public forums, SMS news delivery, and audio news technology. The episode delves into the organization's plans for expanding into new areas, including the launch of Signal Cleveland and the upcoming launch of Signal Akron, with future intentions to expand into additional parts of Ohio.
Empowered Community Engagement
Central to the conversation is the organization's commitment to empowering and informing the community through various mediums, reflecting their efforts to capture the pulse of different regions and capitalize on word-of-mouth, documenters, public forums, videos, and social media to raise awareness.
Challenges and Triumphs in Nonprofit Journalism
The challenges facing local journalism, economic struggles, and changing news consumption patterns are highlighted, followed by a detailed exploration of the transformative impact of Signal Ohio's newsrooms and dedicated reporters spearheading community-based journalism. Their utilization of documenters, everyday citizens trained by the City Bureau, serves as a powerful example of how nonprofit news organizations can enhance government transparency, accountability, and community understanding.
Inspiring Words of Wisdom from Rita McNeil Danish
Rita concludes the episode by sharing her inspiring perspective on the vital role of nonprofit journalism in contributing to positive change. She emphasizes the importance of seeking truth, contributing to the community, and embracing the opportunity to make a difference.
Takeaways
1. Nonprofit news organizations like Signal Ohio are vital for addressing news deserts and revitalizing civic engagement by delivering local news in diverse and accessible ways.
2. The funding model of nonprofit news organizations initially relies heavily on philanthropy, gradually transitioning to major donors, membership subscribers, ad sales, and diversified revenue streams for sustainability.
3. Community involvement and understanding are crucial for successful journalism, with nonprofit newsrooms using various formats and engagement efforts such as public forums, library hours, comics, and documenters for robust local news coverage.
4. Documenters, everyday citizens trained to cover government meetings, play a key role in enhancing government transparency, accountability, and community engagement.
5. Journalists in nonprofit newsrooms focus on community-based journalism, prioritizing beats like education, health, public safety, and government accountability driven by community needs.
6. Nonprofit news organizations emphasize the need for diverse revenue streams, including member sales, ads, and philanthropic giving, to achieve sustainability beyond the initial phase of funding.
7. The decline of community involvement and accessibility to local news in certain regions highlights the impact of diminished local journalism on civic engagement and the need for revitalization efforts.
8. Nonprofit news organizations aim to educate and involve young people in journalism and media through internships, fellowships, and innovative storytelling methods, fostering future civic engagement.
9. The impact of nonprofit news extends beyond journalism, targeting community and civic engagement and emphasizing the importance of providing objective information to help voters make informed decisions.
10. Differentiating from traditional news outlets, nonprofit news organizations like Signal Ohio prioritize delivering news in formats accessible to various communities, including through technology, public forums, and SMS news delivery, to bridge news deserts and engage diverse audiences.
Memorable Moments
00:00 Grew up valuing community, now a lawyer.
03:25 Passionate about local government and civic engagement.
08:12 AJP and Cleveland Foundation study news deserts.
11:35 Signal Cleveland delivers news in accessible ways.
16:28 Government accountability, community, business, health series coverage.
19:03 Community journalism uncovers misused casino revenue.
22:22 College journalism students prefer social media over-reporting.
24:40 NPR's outreach to underserved, distrusting audiences.
27:54 The News model relies on philanthropy and donors.
32:18 Cleveland community focused on the arts and police oversight.
33:25 Requesting feedback on tracking data and content.
38:23 Akron aims to serve Summit County citizens.
42:18 Using public forums and documentaries to raise awareness.
45:20 Raising funds and forming diverse committees.
47:43 Diversify revenue streams with ads, memberships, and giving.
49:46 Diverse revenue streams are vital for impact.
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Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.
Copyright 2026 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnson
