Full Breakdown
Poynter Institute Launches Initiative to Preserve Local News Digital Footprint
12/3/2025, 10:09:45 PM
Overview of the Initiative
The Poynter Institute, in collaboration with the Internet Archive and Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE), has announced a new project titled "Today’s News for Tomorrow." This initiative aims to provide preservation and web archiving training to 300 news organizations over the course of 2026 and 2027. Funded by Press Forward, the project seeks to safeguard vital local online news content that is often lost when publications shut down or as technology evolves.
Objectives and Structure
Beginning in March 2026, participating organizations will receive both online and in-person training, along with free access to tools and services designed to enhance the sustainability of digital news. The initiative is structured to create a national framework for digital preservation that addresses the immediate needs of newsrooms while also considering the future information requirements of their communities. Kristen Hare, the program lead and Poynter’s director for craft and local news, emphasized the importance of preserving journalism as "the first draft of history," noting the risks posed by technological changes and external pressures.
Successful applicants will be grouped into cohorts based on factors such as geographic location and media type. Each cohort will engage in three training sessions and three asynchronous sessions, focusing on Internet Archive’s digital preservation and web archiving services. Additionally, participants will have opportunities to share local news resources through a dedicated access portal and partake in knowledge-sharing and networking activities.
Application Process
The application process for the initiative is currently open and will remain so until January 9, 2026. Eligible applicants include individuals from various media organizations—nonprofit, corporate, public, digital startups, colleges, print, or broadcast—that produce digital content needing preservation. While individuals can apply, approval from an editor or director is required.
Importance of the Initiative
The "Today’s News for Tomorrow" project is seen as a critical step in ensuring that local journalism can withstand the challenges posed by changing technologies and market pressures. By providing training and resources, the initiative aims to empower newsrooms to effectively preserve their digital content for future generations. Hare stated, “Today’s News for Tomorrow will help local journalists and newsrooms learn what we’re up against,” highlighting the initiative's role in fostering resilience within the journalism community.
Upcoming Information Session
To further inform interested parties about the project, a virtual information session is scheduled for December 5, 2025. This session will include a presentation from the project team and a Q&A segment, allowing potential participants to learn more about how their organizations can get involved.
In summary, the Poynter Institute's "Today’s News for Tomorrow" initiative represents a significant effort to support local news organizations in preserving their digital footprint, ensuring that the history of journalism is maintained for future audiences.