New Rhode Island News Collaborative Holding Conference on Future of Local News

Rhode Island News Collaborative

RINewsToday is one of six independent news sites announcing the formation of the Rhode Island News Collaborative (RINC), a statewide initiative bringing together independent news organizations committed to strengthening journalism across the Ocean State. The founders came together in response to the increasingly difficult environment for local news.

RINC exists to share content, build capacity, and collaboratively address the information interests of Rhode Islanders.

The founding members of RINC are:

• Communities of Hope Civic Media
• East Greenwich News
• ecoRI News
• Ocean State Stories
• The Providence Eye
• RINewsToday

“RINC is about maximizing resources,” said Jo Detz, publisher and co-founder of ecoRI News. “By creating a hub for expanding editorial and training capacity, members can access support and infrastructure that would be out of reach individually, reducing duplication and freeing up time to focus on journalism.”

“We also want RINC to expand the reach of member outlets,” said Elizabeth McNamara, editor of East Greenwich News and RINC Membership Secretary. “Through content sharing, statewide coverage coordination, and joint distribution efforts, RINC helps members connect with new audiences and serve more Rhode Islanders with critical local news.”

“At the core of our effort is a desire to amplify the impact of local journalism,” said G. Wayne Miller, director and editor of Ocean State Stories. “Collaboration increases our ability to influence statewide conversations, demonstrate journalistic value to funders and policymakers, and elevate underreported issues through collaborative reporting.”

“Ultimately, this is about growing the next generation,” said Bernardo Motta, editor-in-chief, Communities of Hope Civic Media. “We can build inclusive pathways for students, freelancers, and emerging journalists with shared training, mentorship, and internship programs that support a more diverse and sustainable future for Rhode Island journalism.”

Debbie Schimberg, publisher and founder of the The Providence Eye, added, “RINC is such an exciting initiative, bringing together community-focused journalism from all over Rhode Island to make sure all residents have access to local news. We need trustworthy local news now more than ever.”

“As small as Rhode Island can seem – and is – we are fortunate to have a robust news environment, and when organizations collaborate and share resources, it strengthens all of us, amplifies our voice, and ultimately benefits all the communities we serve,” said Nancy Thomas, publisher of RINewsToday.

The Rhode Island News Collaborative has an open membership model, meaning other independent news organizations are invited to join. Members benefit from:

• content-sharing and joint editorial projects, allowing outlets to expand content offerings without hiring additional staff;
• collaborating on training, internships, and community engagement;
• joint fundraising efforts and access to pooled resources; and
• a stronger voice in shaping the future of Rhode Island’s news ecosystem.

Membership is open to news organizations that: 

1. Serve a Rhode Island audience

2. Produce and publish original journalism

3. Commit to the SPJ Code of Ethics

4. Agree to contribute content and participate in collaborative efforts as capacity allows

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RI News Collaborative Conference April 17th

No News is Bad News: The Future of Local News in Rhode Island

The Rhode Island News Collaborative is hosting a half-day conference, “No News is Bad News: The Future of Local News in Rhode Island” on Friday, April 17, 2026 at Salve Regina University’s Pell Center for International Relations in Newport, RI.

It will feature panel discussions and keynote presentations with several of the state’s leading news people from TV, print, online and other media outlets.

Agenda:

Local news is the lifeblood of democracy, but the business model that has long sustained local news is under tremendous strain.  A half-day conference on the future of local news will take place from 9am to 12:45pm this Friday, April 17 at The Pell Center at Salve Regina University – 518 Bellevue Avenue – Newport, RI.

First Panel Discussion:

Filling Coverage Gaps: Collaboration and the end of “The Scoop”?

Moderator: Bernardo H. Motta, Communities of Hope Civic Media, Roger Williams University

Lylah Alphonse, Editor, Globe RI

Joanna Detz, Co-founder and Publisher, ecoRI News

Elizabeth McNamara, Founder and Editor, East Greenwich News

G. Wayne Miller, Founder and Director, Ocean State Stories, Salve Regina University

Nancy Thomas, Founder and Publisher, RINewsToday

Second Panel Discussion:

Challenges and Opportunities: What News Media Looks Like Now

Moderator:  Jim Ludes, Pell Center, Salve Regina University 

Joy Fox, Publisher, Beacon Media RI

Bill Bartholomew, Independent ​​Journalist, Media Producer, Musician, Bartholomewtown Podcast

Eli Sherman, Investigative Reporter, WPRI

Debbie Schimberg, Publisher and Founder, Providence Eye

Lynne Sullivan, Regional Executive Editor, Providence Journal

Keynotes:

Elizabeth Hansen Shapiro, Co-Founder and CEO, National Trust for Local News

David Cicilline, President and CEO, Rhode Island Foundation. Press Forward RI

Members of the public are welcome to attend. More information and Register HERE