Welcome to the Listening Post Collective

About Us

The Listening Post Collective, a project of Internews, brings global expertise and strategies to meet community information needs in the U.S. Our Collective comprises former journalists, business leaders, humanitarian activists, grassroots organizers, and public policy analysts, all dedicated to empowering communities through reliable and impactful information.

Our News Information Crisis

  • The historic and expanding news deserts diminish civic engagement and challenges information integrity.
  • Even in areas with strong traditional news ecosystems, which are not considered ‘news deserts,’ entire communities still lack equitable access to information.
  • Legacy journalism often misrepresents or completely ignores the stories of BIPOC and immigrant communities. 
  • Equity-minded media leaders need stronger support, mentorship, and platforms to amplify their voices and ensure diverse perspectives are valued in the media landscape.

This is why our Collective includes financial backing, training opportunities, and networks that foster collaboration and innovation. 

What We Do

We partner with individuals and organizations to create local news solutions that empower communities. Building equity in media requires trust, collaboration, and time. Through listening, networking, and understanding information needs, we develop community-driven solutions that foster impactful, sustainable civic media projects.

Our Vision

At the Listening Post Collective, we envision a world where everyone lives not in a news desert but in an information garden, where everyone has access to high-quality, culturally-relevant, civic information in accessible languages and on issues that impact them.

We see a future where civic power is strengthened by equitable, civic media.

We’re uniquely situated to take on this work.

We draw on 40 years of global experience building healthy media and information environments, especially in vulnerable communities.

 

Our Impact

Information Ecosystem Assessments

Total $ Microgrants Distributed since 2017

Playbook Collective Members

Testimonials

The Listening Post Collective at Internews really understands the importance of supporting strong and resilient communities through information access, community engagement, and by supporting the growth of a strong civic infrastructure. Listening Post Collective is not extractive in their approach, but instead focuses on supporting local organizations and community leaders to serve as a critical news source for their communities, in particular for residents who don’t often see themselves reflected in mainstream journalism.

– Nicole Pritchard, James Irvine Foundation, LPC Funder

LPC’s support has been much more than financial. At LPC I found a family that supports me, believes in me, and encourages me to challenge my own complexes. I am very fortunate and have received support and advice from many institutions, in one way or another, but I feel that I can ALWAYS count on LPC for anything. I do really think that LPC has my back.

– Maritza L. Félix, Founder of Conecta Arizona, LPC Partner

News & Insights

How-To: Partner, Collaborate and Coordinate with the Listening Post Collective

Dec 10, 2024

Partner with the Listening Post Collective to create a more navigable and effective support ecosystem for civic media providers.

News & Insights

Listening Post Collective Secures $3 Million Grant from MacArthur Foundation to Bolster Community-Centric Local Information

Dec 12, 2024

The Listening Post Collective (LPC) is proud to announce a $3 million grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. This significant investment will enhance LPC’s Civic Media Playbook initiative, empowering local media and civic news sharers to strengthen information ecosystems across the United States.

Thank You to Our Funders and Collaborators