In summary
The L.A. Local News Initiative will create new local news coverage for California’s largest county.
An effort to support robust, independent local press in Los Angeles County will bring new resources to news organizations, including CalMatters.
The L.A. Local News Initiative, announced today, is a coalition of journalism and philanthropic organizations that aims to increase coverage that enables Los Angeles residents to navigate local life while applying powerful accountability journalism to billions of dollars in government spending.
As part of the initiative, CalMatters will add new journalists dedicated to coverage that serves Angelenos.
“Good journalism builds stronger communities,” said CalMatters CEO Neil Chase. “We’re thrilled to see this support for enhanced local news coverage, and we’re excited to be part of the effort.”
CalMatters’ in-depth, nonpartisan news coverage will remain free-to-read online, and we’ll continue to share it at no cost with more than 250 media partners across the state. This work includes CalMatters’ unique partnership with PBS SoCal, offering two-minute video reports every weekday on the air and on YouTube.
The expansion builds on CalMatters’ current Los Angeles coverage, particularly on issues such as homelessness, education, the environment and justice. CalMatters also informs the region in unique ways, through Jim Newton’s commentary and the AI-powered Digital Democracy database.
The L.A. Local News Initiative will also operate and support local newsrooms that serve L.A. communities. The new organization will be governed by a board representing local and national leaders in journalism, philanthropy, and business.
Supporting funders represent a cross-section of individuals, local foundations, and national philanthropy, with anchor funding from The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, the Spiegel Family Fund, and the American Journalism Project, as well as support from The Annenberg Foundation, Weingart Foundation, California Community Foundation, The James Irvine Foundation, The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation, The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation, and Jane and Ron Olson.
