Connecting Media & Community will again bring together people working to strengthen journalism and public dialogue, and, in the long run, support democracy at a macro level while building stronger relationships among sectors, institutions, and individuals.

Through Public Narrative's work with community-centered media and CIMA organizations, we see every day how local and independent outlets provide something essential: trusted information rooted in lived experience. They tell stories that might otherwise go unheard, connect people to the information they need, and help communities understand and shape the decisions that affect their lives; but journalism cannot strengthen democracy in isolation.

We invite you to join us as we examine journalism and democracy today, as we strengthen journalism, amplify community voices, and build the relationships that democracy requires.

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We invite you to join us as we bring together the media and the community and:

Strengthen the Future of Journalism

Amplify Community Voices in Media

Join Us

Foster Partnerships Among Reporters, Civic Leaders, and Philanthropy

  • Interested in Presenting?

    How can journalists and community leaders work together to strengthen democracy?

    Public Narrative invites you to help shape this important conversation.

    We’re seeking proposals for sessions that will be presented at our 2026 conference, Connecting Media & Community: Journalism and Democracy in Balance, a one-day conference taking place Tuesday, December 8, 2026, at the

    David Rubenstein Forum in Chicago.

    We are particularly focused on actionable information and timely reflection on journalism as part of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Topics may span public policy, health, the environment, education, and new approaches to media and democracy.

    Submit your proposal by November 9, 2026.

    Complete the Application

Event Access 

Sponsorship Information

Conference Goals for Attendees:

1.   Strengthen Journalism as a Pillar of Democracy and Protect the Public’s Right to Know: Create space to examine the vital role of independent journalism in a democracy, from holding power accountable and understanding who controls what we watch, read, and hear, to protecting the public’s right to know.

2.   Foster Honest Reflection on the Role of Journalism Over 250 years of Our Democracy: Examine the ways the press and media narratives have helped and harmed our communities.

3.   Connect Journalism to the Issues That Shape Our Lives: Elevate local journalism and community voices that reflect lived experiences, and provide trustworthy information our communities can use to understand and take action on issues affecting their lives. 

4. Build the Partnerships Democracy Requires: Turn dialogue into collective action to bring in new perspectives and solutions that bring balance to power structures, including media mergers and ownership, that impact our access to information. Identify concrete ways to strengthen the information ecosystems that democracy depends on.


Questions? Email chris@hooplagroupla.com or sewing@publicnarrative.org.

2025 Connecting Media & Community Conference // Tefari Meliswe for Public Narrative

Who Should Attend:

  • Independent journalists and media outlets

  • Community-based organization staff 

  • Civic and public sector leaders and changemakers

  • Educators and media literacy advocates

  • Culture professionals and creatives 

  • Those interested in fact-based reporting and increasing storytelling skills

Thank you for your support!

Thank you for your support!

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