About the Next Generation Newsroom

Pittsburgh journalism is at risk!

In the face of significant disruption, the Pittsburgh region is at risk of losing vital sources of information that are crucial for informed decision-making and the health of our democracy.

The Next Generation Newsroom, based at Point Park University, will confront this challenge head-on by bridging gaps in local reporting while providing invaluable opportunities for budding journalists. Starting in the fall of 2024, we will produce accountability journalism for the benefit of media outlets, and the community.

Find our editorial principles and code of ethics, here.

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Photo by Olivia Valyo / Liv For Media

Building on the Center for Media Innovation

The Next Generation Newsroom builds on and incorporates the Center for Media Innovation’s successful ventures – such as the Pittsburgh Media Partnership – while complementing the other journalism taking place across southwestern Pennsylvania. It creates a teaching newsroom that brings together professional journalists, recent graduates, and students to fill gaps in local reporting while blazing and sustaining pathways to careers. It will also contribute to more diverse perspectives on local news by recruiting, training, and employing journalists with varied backgrounds and lived experiences.

We’re launching the Next Generation Newsroom with Newsapalooza, our signature event this year.  This dynamic three-day festival in September is designed to engage the public and emphasize the importance of local news in our region.

Join us for this exciting journey as we work together to ensure that Pennsylvanians remain informed and empowered to shape the future of our communities. Together, we can uphold the essential role of local news in preserving the fabric of our society.

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Photo by Nancy Andrews

Do you want get involved?

If you want to help in any way – serving on our steering committee, offering insights, or making a financial contribution – please click below.

Your involvement is essential and greatly appreciated!

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Our Staff

The Center for Media Innovation at Point Park University is an incubator and collaborative space designed to prepare students for success in a media industry intertwined with the latest technology, while also supporting professional journalists and educating the public at large. The Center features TV and radio/podcast studios, a photography studio, a multimedia newsroom, and a transformational presentation and gallery space. The Allegheny Foundation provided $4 million in grants for the CMI since 2016.

Point Park University, immersed in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh, focuses on student success through innovative experiential learning opportunities. Point Park enrolls approximately 4,000 students in more than 100 undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programs offered through its Conservatory of Performing Arts, Rowland School of Business, and schools of Arts and Sciences, Communication, and Education. The University’s alumni and students represent all 50 states and 34 countries around the world.

The purpose of the Pittsburgh Media Partnership (PMP) is to support and promote local journalism across the region for the public’s benefit.The PMP — which comprises 29 media outlets in the Greater Pittsburgh area — accomplishes this by encouraging collaboration between and among partner outlets, developing and distributing resources, building capabilities and advocating for local journalism.

The Pittsburgh Downtown Media Hub serves as a shared newsroom for local journalism. Presented by Point Park University's Center for Media Innovation and located within walking distance to campus at 223 Fourth Avenue in Downtown Pittsburgh, the Media Hub houses five news outlets: City Cast Pittsburgh, Next Pittsburgh, The Pittsburgh Independent, QBurgh, and Storyburgh. It also houses the Pittsburgh Women’s Press Club, and offers a daily drop-in space for others.

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A celebration of the Pittsburgh story.

A series of interactive events this Sept. 26-27-28 featuring local newsmakers, journalists, and esteemed public figures, Newsapalooza will celebrate the value of local journalism while fostering community connection and engagement.

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Photo by Nancy Andrews

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