Introducing the News Media Help Desk: A New Resource for Local Journalism Sustainability

The Launch of the News Media Help Desk

On December 10, 2025, the Reynolds Journalism Institute (RJI), collaborating with the Local Media Consortium (LMC), announced an innovative initiative—the News Media Help Desk. This centralized hub is designed specifically to provide local newsrooms with essential resources, expert assistance, and fractional services aimed at ensuring long-term sustainability in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Commitment to Local Journalism Sustainability

The motivation behind this project is clear and purposeful: to foster sustainability within local journalism. Randy Picht, executive director of RJI, articulated the challenge, stating, "Launching a news website is easy, but maintaining high-quality journalism is a challenge that many face." This project aims to mitigate these challenges and offer more straightforward paths to sustaining journalism that can serve communities effectively.

Resources and Services Offered

The News Media Help Desk encompasses several critical components:

1. The RJI Learning Center

At the heart of this initiative lies the RJI Learning Center—an invaluable resource that curates a wide array of journalism materials, including case studies, how-to guides, and expert insights. This center focuses on what works best in journalism today, preparing content that responds to urgent inquiries from journalists.

It also features a unique database called the Scorecard, which helps organizations compare various tools available. This organized repository includes items spanning four main categories: utility, optimization, audience, and revenue, launching initially with essential tools for transcription, content production, analytics, and fundraising.

2. Digital On-Demand Services (DODS)

Additionally, the initiative leverages an existing program known as Digital On-Demand Services (DODS), managed by the LMC. This program connects local newsrooms with vetted digital media professionals who can help them overcome resource gaps and facilitate projects efficiently. News organizations benefit from accessing these quality services at pre-negotiated rates.

The DODS team evaluates the scope of work and pairs newsrooms with the most suitable consultant, maintaining oversight to ensure every project reaches successful completion.

The Importance of Collaboration

Fran Wills, CEO of LMC, expressed confidence in the future of local journalism despite the significant challenges faced by industry professionals. She emphasized the immense value of the shared knowledge available through the News Media Help Desk. By combining resources and expertise, RJI and LMC aim to amplify the effectiveness of this initiative.

Wills pointed out, "Our members remain optimistic about the future of local journalism but acknowledge the considerable hurdles they face. The collaborative resources and sustainability tools accessible nationwide through this Desk are invaluable."

Looking Ahead

Both organizations are committed to iterating on this project, continually enhancing features and resources based on feedback from media companies. This focus ensures that the Help Desk adapts to the evolving needs of local newsrooms, creating a long-lasting impact on the industry.

For those interested in this groundbreaking initiative, media professionals across the U.S. can explore more about the News Media Help Desk at newsmediahelpdesk.org. Through this innovative platform, local newsrooms will be better equipped to navigate challenges and seize opportunities in the fast-paced digital environment.

The support from The Knight Foundation, which has granted funding to this initiative, underscores the significance of this effort to strengthen the journalism ecosystem. As the landscape transforms, the News Media Help Desk positions local newsrooms to not just survive, but thrive within it.