Exciting New Partnership to Enhance Environmental Reporting in the Western U.S.
In a significant move aimed at countering the crisis in local journalism, High Country News (HCN) is launching a collaborative initiative that fosters environmental reporting throughout the Western United States. As many local newspapers face closure, efforts like these aim to sustain quality journalism and provide vital environmental coverage.
The Western Environmental Reporting Collaborative (WERC)
In response to the declining number of local newspapers, High Country News has formed the Western Environmental Reporting Collaborative (WERC). This innovative partnership will serve as a lifeline for environmental journalism, tackling pressing issues in local communities while ensuring that this crucial beat is not neglected. Starting this July, four local partners in Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and Arizona will each have a WERC reporter dedicated to covering environmental stories relevant to their regions.
Meet the Partners
This initiative has gathered a diverse group of local news organizations, including:
- Montana Free Press/Mountain Journal: This nonprofit organization will host a WERC reporter focused on the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
- Wyoming Public Media: An NPR affiliate, it will provide coverage on key wildlife species and the intertwined economic challenges faced by ranchers and families.
- Ouray County Plaindealer: With a commitment to quality journalism, this publication will focus on critical topics like drought and wildfire risks.
- Arizona Luminaria: This community-centered news organization aims to tackle the ongoing crisis affecting the Colorado River.
A Vision for the Future
WERC aims to expand its partnerships by adding four more organizations in 2027 and another four in 2028. The collaborative will not only enrich environmental reporting but also strive to make these positions permanent, thereby strengthening local journalism and ensuring that the communities remain informed about crucial issues affecting their environment.
This initiative showcases the power of collaboration in journalism and serves as a beacon of hope amid the challenges faced by local news outlets. The High Country News team expresses gratitude for the contributions from its readership, which have enabled this project to come to fruition, and invites further support for sustaining quality journalism in the West.
