Press Forward Tampa Bay

Strengthening Access to Local News and Information

Access to timely, trusted local news helps residents make informed decisions and stay connected to their communities. Yet access to consistent, high-quality local information remains uneven across our region.

Press Forward Tampa Bay is a community-driven effort working to better understand and strengthen the local news ecosystem across Tampa Bay.

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What Is Press Forward Tampa Bay?

About Press Forward Tampa Bay

Press Forward Tampa Bay is part of Press Forward Locals, a growing network of place-based chapters where funders come together to expand resources for local news. Driven by the specific information needs of our region, the initiative brings together philanthropy, community leaders, and partners to strengthen access to trusted local news and information across Tampa Bay.

Press Forward is a national movement to strengthen communities by reinvigorating local news. A coalition of funders is investing more than $500 million to strengthen local newsrooms, close longstanding gaps in coverage, expand access to local news, and scale the infrastructure the sector needs to thrive. Press Forward Tampa Bay brings this national momentum to our region - ensuring solutions are shaped locally and grounded in community voice.

Learn more at pressforward.news.

Local Leadership

Community Foundation Tampa Bay serves as the anchor for Press Forward Tampa Bay, convening funders, community leaders, and partners around a shared goal: strengthening access to trusted local news and information.

Through our regional relationships and experience stewarding philanthropic investment, we help align resources, elevate community voice, and guide a long-term vision for strengthening the local news ecosystem.

Our Approach

Press Forward Tampa Bay is currently focused on listening, learning, and building a strong foundation for future investment.

Our work includes:

• Conducting a local news ecosystem assessment in partnership with the American Journalism Project
• Engaging residents, journalists, and community leaders to better understand information needs
• Identifying gaps in coverage and access across our region
• Informing future philanthropic strategies to support sustainable, community-centered local news

This work will help ensure that future investments are responsive, strategic, and rooted in local priorities.

Why It Matters

Local news and information help communities:

• Stay informed about issues that affect daily life
• Access critical updates during times of crisis
• Connect with neighbors and civic institutions
• Elevate diverse voices and perspectives

When access to reliable information is strong, communities are more connected, informed, and resilient.

Get Involved

Press Forward Tampa Bay is building a collaborative effort grounded in local partnership.

If you are:

• A funder interested in supporting local news
• A community leader or organization engaged in information access
• A journalist or news organization serving the Tampa Bay region

We welcome the conversation.

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