#MergerMondays: Santa Barbara News-Press + NEWSWELL
After ceasing publication in 2023, the Santa Barbara News-Press is poised for a revival as a nonprofit digital newsroom. This transformation is spearheaded by NEWSWELL, a nonprofit initiative affiliated with Arizona State University's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication, dedicated to revitalizing local journalism.
NEWSWELL plans to reestablish the locally based online media outlet, this time led by local editors, reporters, and staff. A community advisory board will guide the newsroom's direction, ensuring it reflects and serves Santa Barbara's diverse population. Plans are already underway for a public funding model and a renewed focus on covering the stories that bring people together and move them to action.
This initiative underscores the potential of nonprofit models to sustain and enrich local journalism. By prioritizing community engagement and public trust, the News-Press aims to become a vital resource for Santa Barbara residents once again.
The relaunch of the Santa Barbara News-Press exemplifies how nonprofit structures can breathe new life into local news, fostering informed communities and strengthening civic values.
