About this Event
About the Summit
Press Forward Central Valley Journalism Summit: AI, Trust, and the Local News Ecosystem
The Press Forward Central Valley Journalism Summit brings together news leaders, editors, reporters, funders, journalism educators, students, and community partners from across California’s Central Valley.
Hosted by the Central Valley Journalism Collaborative and co-hosted by UC Merced’s School of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts, the Summit convenes people working to strengthen local news across the Central Valley, from Sacramento to Bakersfield. Attendees represent public radio, nonprofit startups, legacy newspapers, bilingual outlets, and university programs.
The Summit launched last year through the James B. McClatchy Foundation and Press Forward, the national funder coalition working to rebuild local news. CVJC now leads the gathering, with Press Forward continuing as a partner.
The Central Valley is home to roughly 7 million people and remains one of California’s most under-covered regions. Gaps in local news are especially visible in communities facing limited broadband access, language barriers, and fewer local information resources. The Summit brings together the people rebuilding the region’s information ecosystem to help set the agenda.
Through conversation and collaborative work, participants will explore how AI, truth, trust, and new tools shape local news. They will also identify practical ways to build journalism that is more impactful, sustainable, and connected to the communities it serves.
What to Expect
- A featured keynote session with Chris Hyams
- Connections with journalists, educators, & media partners from across the Central Valley
- Conversations, shared learning, and collaborative work
- Planned sessions on fundraising for nonprofit newsrooms and access to public records
- Opportunities to identify practical ideas, partnerships, and next steps for local news
- Lunch and networking
Who Should Attend
Journalists, editors, newsroom leaders, journalism educators, funders, community partners, students, and others invested in a strong, trusted local-news ecosystem in the Central Valley.
Lodging and Travel Support
Hosted lodging may be available for approved attendees traveling more than 90 minutes by car to UC Merced. Lodging requests must be submitted by Thursday, September 24. Approved lodging will be booked for the night of Monday, October 26.
Attendees who need parking at UC Merced may select the parking add-on during registration. Attendees may also submit a mileage or travel-support request. Travel-support requests are subject to review and availability.
This event is hosted by the Central Valley Journalism Collaborative. Co-sponsored by UC Merced, Press Forward Central Valley, and the James B. McClatchy Foundation.
Event venue & nearby stays
University of California Merced, 5200 Lake Road, Merced, United States
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