Bend, Ore. — Editors, publishers, reporters and journalism advocates from across Oregon gathered last week at Central Oregon Community College for the Fund for Oregon Rural Journalism’s (FORJ) fourth annual Rural and Small-Town Journalism Conference, a two-day event focused on ensuring that local news in rural communities not only survives, but thrives.
Held July 29th and 30th under the theme “From Survival to Sustainability: The Oregon Opportunity,” the conference brought together more than 100 journalists, educators, nonprofit leaders, policymakers, and national media organizations to exchange ideas and practical strategies for strengthening independent local journalism across the state.
This editor was among those in attendance, joining colleagues from across Oregon to participate in discussions ranging from public records reporting and investigative journalism to nonprofit business models, artificial intelligence, audience development and the long-term sustainability of community news organizations.
Throughout the conference, speakers emphasized that trusted local journalism remains a cornerstone of healthy communities and civic engagement—particularly in rural areas where many communities have lost newspapers or face shrinking access to reliable local reporting. Sessions explored how independent publishers can adapt through innovative business models, collaboration, philanthropy, technology, and community support while maintaining editorial independence.
Among the presentations were workshops on advanced public records strategies led by the Associated Press, discussions on transitioning newspapers to nonprofit organizations, community fundraising and membership programs, newsroom uses of artificial intelligence, digital audience growth, and policy initiatives aimed at rebuilding local news ecosystems throughout Oregon and the nation.
The conference also featured leaders from organizations including the Associated Press, Press Forward, Rebuild Local News, the Trust for Civic Life and journalism educators from Oregon’s universities and community colleges, highlighting growing statewide and national interest in preserving independent local journalism.
For us, the conference reinforced both the challenges and opportunities facing small independent newsrooms. As news deserts continue to expand across the country, locally owned publications remain uniquely positioned to provide accountability reporting, cover local government and public safety, and tell the stories that larger media outlets often overlook.
The Prineville Review would also like to extend its sincere appreciation to FORJ for organizing the conference and for its continued commitment to supporting Oregon’s rural and independent news organizations. Events like these provide valuable opportunities for journalists to collaborate, share ideas, develop new skills, and strengthen the networks that help sustain local journalism in communities across the state.
Independent local journalism depends not only on dedicated reporters and editors, but also on engaged communities that recognize the importance of accurate, accountable reporting. Conferences like FORJ’s demonstrate that despite the challenges facing the industry, there remains strong momentum among Oregon’s rural publishers to innovate, collaborate, and continue serving their communities for years to come.
Mr. Alderman is an investigative journalist specializing in government transparency, non-profit accountability, consumer protection, and is a subject matter expert on Oregon’s public records and meetings laws. As a former U.S. Army Military Police Officer, he brings a disciplined investigative approach to his reporting that has frequently exposed ethics violations, financial mismanagement, and transparency failures by public officials and agencies.
