Published on July 1, 2025
State funding restored for the NJ Civic Information Consortium, preserving vital investments in local journalism and civic engagement.
7/1/25 — New Jersey lawmakers and Governor Phil Murphy have officially approved $2.5 million in FY26 funding for the New Jersey Civic Information Consortium (NJCIC), reaffirming the state’s leadership in supporting community media and local journalism at a time when both are under national threat.
This marks the sixth year of state investment in the NJCIC, a first-of-its-kind public funding model for civic information established in 2018 through a legislative effort led by Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald, former Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg and Gov. Murphy. Since its launch in 2021, the Consortium has invested more than $9 million in community newsrooms, student reporting programs, journalism training, multilingual media, and civic tech projects across the state.
“This funding reaffirms New Jersey’s commitment to a fundamental truth about democracy: informed communities are stronger communities,” said Chris Daggett, Board Chair and Interim Executive Director of the Consortium. “We’re very grateful to legislative sponsors Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald and Senator Vin Gopal, budget committee chairs Senator Paul Sarlo and Assemblywoman Pintor Marin, the Legislative Black Caucus, Senate President Nick Scutari, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, and Governor Murphy for their continued support, and to the advocates across New Jersey who raised their voices to protect local news and civic storytelling.”
This year’s advocacy campaign was launched after NJCIC’s funding was eliminated in the initial FY26 proposed budget, dropping from $3 million in FY25 to $0. In response, the campaign saw important participation from New Jerseyans across the state including Consortium grantees, community members, students, and national media organizations. Former public officials Senator Loretta Weinberg and Governor Tom Kean also added their voices through published op-eds, emphasizing the critical importance of public investment in reliable, accessible civic information.
With this funding, the NJCIC will continue to:
- Award grants to innovative local journalism and civic media projects.
- Support multilingual and underserved communities with targeted news coverage.
- Expand internship programs and educational initiatives that build the next generation of local journalists.
- Strengthen democracy by making public information accessible, equitable, and community-driven.
“New Jersey remains the only state in the country with a publicly funded civic information consortium,” said Daggett. “This model works, and we’re proud to continue proving that in every corner of the state.”
About the New Jersey Civic Information Consortium: The Consortium is a first-of-its-kind initiative established by the State of NJ to support the revitalization of local news and information across the state. The Consortium provides funding to projects that meet the information needs of underserved communities, encourage civic engagement, and strengthen local journalism. By investing in innovative and sustainable local news models, NJCIC is committed to ensuring every New Jersey resident has access to reliable and trustworthy community-based news and information.
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