Building trust in local news, finding financial support for journalism and tips and tools for journalists are the themes of this year’s community journalism track at Radically Rural.

The two-day summit, Sept. 22-23, in Keene and online, continues in its fourth year to provide training and guidance for reporters, editors and publishers at small community news operations for as little as $49 online.

Members of the New England Newspaper and Press Association can take advantage of discounted pricing by using the promo code NENPA.

Terrence Williams, president and COO at The Keene Sentinel, recently announced the programming, saying he is enthused by the experts who will be leading three, two-hour sessions this year.

“The Sentinel is a small news organization, like so many others in New England and around the country,” Williams said. “We struggle to find ways to network with other similar newspapers, and so we try to come together each year to discuss opportunities to improve and sustain our community news operations. Radically Rural seeks to build sustainability in several topic areas of interest to small cities and towns, and we think strong community journalism is necessary for any community’s success.”

Started in partnership between The Keene Sentinel and the Hannah Grimes Center for Entrepreneurship, Radically Rural has been recognized nationally and regionally for its innovative approach to resolving local problems and seizing opportunities at the small community level. Last year, due to the pandemic, the conference was moved online with more than 500 registrants. This year, organizers are holding a hybrid event with people attending in person and online. In addition to community journalism, there are track sessions on arts and culture, entrepreneurship, land and community, clean energy, downtowns and healthcare.

Detailed information on how to register and attend, either in person or online, can be found at www.radicallyrural.org 

Here’s the program for this year, Williams said:

Building Trust: Measures to secure faith in local journalism – Sept. 22 at 10:30 a.m.
Speaker: Joy Mayer, director, Trusting News
Mayer, director for Trusting News, founded Trusting News in 2016; she leads a panel discussion on the ways and means local journalists can improve bonds with readers and confidence in the news they produce, all leading to a more trusting readership.
Panel: Lynn Walsh, assistant director, Trusting News; Peter Huoppi, director of multimedia, The Day, New London, CT; Crystal Good, founder, Black by God – THE WEST VIRGINIAN

Funding News: Media organizations successfully find philanthropic help for their missions – Sept. 22 at 2:15 p.m.
Speaker: Frank Mungeam, chief innovation officer, Local Media Association
A panel of experts provides a road map for crowdfunding, landing grants and the future of philanthropic support of newsrooms. Whether you are a for-profit or nonprofit organization, there are ways to build more community support for journalism.
Panel: Blake Kaplan, editor and general manager, Sun Herald, Biloxi, MS; Manuel C. Coppola, publisher, Nogales International, Nogales, AZ; Traci Bauer, vice president, print and digital content, Adams Publishing Group

Crazy Good: Tools to make you a better – and more efficient – journalist – Sept. 23 at 10 a.m.
Speaker: Samantha Sunne, freelance investigative journalist and expert on tech and tools, presents the annual “50 Ideas” program.
This is a fast-paced romp through hacks, sources, tech and techniques to make you a better, smarter and savvier reporter and editor.

Williams urged those interested to consider attending in person, noting that all pandemic protocols will be followed and that access to Radically Rural’s CONNECT outdoor networking event Sept. 22 is included in the ticket price. 

“CONNECT is a lively fusion of local food, drink and music, and it’s great way to celebrate new friendships or relax among colleagues,” Williams said.

For more information, contact Williams at twilliams@keenesentinel.com