TALLAHASSEE, FL — Press Forward North Florida, an initiative of the Community Foundation of North Florida, is proud to announce the launch of the Capital Region News Collaborative — a coalition of six local news organizations joining forces to provide deeper, community-centered reporting on issues that matter most to the region.
The six founding news outlets — WCTV, WTXL, WFSU Public Media, The Tallahassee Democrat, Capital Outlook, and Tallahassee Reports — will work together on special projects to expand in-depth reporting that strengthens civic connection and community understanding.
“While the Press Forward national initiative sets a powerful framework for change, it is through local chapters like Press Forward North Florida that meaningful impact takes shape. Efforts like the Capital Region News Collaborative strengthen local news and information in our community, helping build a more informed, connected, and civically engaged North Florida,” said Katrina Rolle, President & CEO of the Community Foundation of North Florida.
Through this collaboration, the Capital Region News Collaborative will host election forums covering this year’s city and county commission races, school board elections, and judicial contests.
The effort will build upon the success of the award-winning candidate forums previously hosted by the Tallahassee Democrat, WFSU and the League of Women Voters, which will continue to be involved in the forums.
These events will be livestreamed by all participating outlets and made available on each partner’s YouTube channel and website, ensuring accessible and transparent civic coverage across the region.
Organizers note that Americans overwhelmingly identify local news as their most trusted and important source of information — a foundation of healthy democracy. The decision to publicly launch the Collab on Local News Day, April 9, 2026, aims to reconnect residents with the community journalism that keeps them informed and holds leaders accountable.
"WFSU believes in the power of local journalism to effect real and meaningful change in the lives of people who call this region home. We support the Capital Region News Collaboration and are looking forward to telling stories that inform, educate and inspire," said Lynn Hatter, Director of Content for WFSU Public Media.
With a $1 million grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Press Forward North Florida seeks to bring together journalists, nonprofit leaders, educators, and community stakeholders to identify local information needs and co-create sustainable solutions that enhance civic engagement and strengthen trusted local news for years to come.
Founded with support from the Community Foundation of North Florida, this initiative reflects the Foundation’s mission to enhance the quality of life across North Florida through charitable giving. The Foundation serves as a convener, catalyst, and connector — helping donors support causes that illuminate and uplift community well-being.
Media Contact:
Karen Duncan
Director of Strategic & Community Initiatives
Community Foundation of North Florida
Email: kduncan@cfnf.org
Phone: 850-222-2899