The Center for Journalism Excellence is a Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association Foundation initiative dedicated to strengthening local journalism and supporting the journalists who make it possible. From investing in reporters to recognizing outstanding work, the Center helps ensure communities across the commonwealth have access to trusted, impactful news.
Why It Matters
Local news organizations across Pennsylvania are navigating unprecedented change, including technological disruption, workforce challenges, financial pressures and increasing demands for accountability and trust.
The PNA Foundation envisions a future in which these organizations are not merely surviving, but thriving, serving their communities with strength, integrity and innovation.
What We Do
The Center for Journalism Excellence focuses on strengthening journalism across Pennsylvania by:
- Investing in journalists through training, mentorship and professional development
- Fueling newsroom innovation by supporting new approaches to reporting, storytelling and audience engagement
- Building the next generation through internships, partnerships and career pathways
- Recognizing excellence by celebrating outstanding journalism that serves communities and upholds the values of a free and ethical press
Addressing Today’s Challenges
The Center is designed to respond to the most pressing needs facing local journalism today, including:
- Expanding access to high-quality, real-time professional training
- Strengthening a diverse pipeline of future journalists through hands-on experience
- Supporting strategies for audience growth, revenue diversification and long-term sustainability
How the Center Delivers Impact
Through the Center for Journalism Excellence, the PNA Foundation will:
- Create a statewide training hub that brings together professional development, internships, legal resources and newsroom-based learning
- Strengthen workforce pathways through expanded partnerships with colleges, universities and high schools
- Advance modern skills development, including digital transformation, AI, multimedia storytelling, audience strategy and ethical decision-making
- Foster collaboration statewide by connecting newsrooms, educators and industry leaders
- Expand access to legal resources related to First Amendment rights, public records and open government
Looking Ahead
As the Center grows, it will serve as a focal point for training, innovation and collaboration, helping to strengthen journalism across Pennsylvania and reinforce its essential role in supporting informed communities and a healthy democracy.
Support the Center
The work of the Center for Journalism Excellence is made possible through philanthropic support. Your investment can help strengthen local journalism, support reporters and ensure communities across Pennsylvania have access to trusted information.
To learn more about how you can support this work, please contact Tanya Henderson to explore partnership opportunities.