South Florida Launches Bold Initiative to Revitalize Local News

By Julia Franklin

South Florida just took a major leap forward in strengthening its local news ecosystem and Black Owned Media Alliance members were present to be apart of this historic movement.  The initiative, Press Forward South Florida,  officially launched by Miami Foundation.  It is a bold, tri-county initiative designed to revitalize and reimagine local journalism.

Backed by a powerful coalition of five community foundations, this groundbreaking effort marks the first regional collaboration of its kind, focused on amplifying trusted news sources and rebuilding the connection between media and the communities they serve.

The initiative began by bringing together more than 20 local media outlets to better understand how residents engage with and perceive local news. As part of this foundational phase, a region-wide survey was conducted to gather feedback from the community. Insights from this completed survey are now guiding the comprehensive landscape analysis that will inform future investments and strategy.

At the heart of Press Forward South Florida is a core belief: when people have access to reliable, relevant information that reflects their communities and concerns, they’re better equipped to unite, respond, and drive meaningful change.

Fueled by $3 million in seed funding from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, this initiative aims to expand support and generate additional funding for local news efforts across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. By identifying opportunities, addressing gaps, and championing innovation, Press Forward South Florida is setting the stage for a stronger, more connected future for local media—and the communities it serves.