Independent news
for every
neighborhood.
The San Francisco Independent Media Coalition is an alliance of neighborhood and community publications that directly serve ethnic communities and local neighborhoods across the city.
Independent and community-rooted news outlets play an essential role in helping San Francisco residents access information about public services, local government, elections, and neighborhood issues. Many of these publications serve multilingual communities and neighborhood audiences across the city.
California Common Cause convened local publishers to form the San Francisco Independent Media Coalition — a collaboration of neighborhood-based and identity-based publications that serve communities across San Francisco.
The coalition first met in September 2022 to discuss shared challenges facing independent media outlets and opportunities to strengthen the city’s local information ecosystem. Members include outlets that publish original local reporting and reach audiences across neighborhoods and language communities throughout the city.
Through regular meetings, coalition members share information about their audiences, outreach capacity, and newsroom needs while identifying opportunities for partnerships with city departments.
Timeline
Coalition convened
California Common Cause brings together local publishers to discuss shared challenges and opportunities. The San Francisco Independent Media Coalition holds its first meeting in September.
Community information needs
A five-month Community Information Needs Assessment engages 175 residents through 12 multilingual focus groups and 26 interviews, culminating in the report Local Voices on Local News. CCC partners with Supervisor Matt Dorsey and the SF Budget and Legislative Analyst's Office on recommendations for stronger city support of local outlets.
Board of Supervisors acts
In March, the SF Board of Supervisors passes a resolution urging departments to allocate at least 50% of advertising dollars to community and ethnic media. In May, Budget Chair Connie Chan adds tracking and reporting language to city budget instructions.
Partnerships deepen
Three convenings bring together city departments and local publishers. Government advertising revenue directed to coalition outlets more than doubles, from $15,932 to $32,990. City departments begin requesting coalition recommendations for outreach campaigns.
First Candidate Forum
The coalition announces its first Congressional Candidate Forum and launches its public-facing platform to amplify member journalism.
Changing how San Francisco invests in local media
Board of Supervisors resolution
March 2024Urging city departments to allocate at least 50% of advertising dollars to community and ethnic media outlets.
Budget accountability language
May 2024Budget Chair Connie Chan included language in city budget instructions requiring departments to track and report outreach and advertising spending.
Citywide advertising contract
OngoingWorking with the Office of Contract Administration to develop a contract that supports local media and simplifies department outreach placement.
Several city departments now request recommendations from the coalition about which media outlets to include in public outreach campaigns. These collaborations have led to advertising placements across coalition publications.
The coalition brings together a diverse group of community-rooted news outlets, journalism organizations, and civic partners.
Strengthen local journalism in San Francisco.
Whether you’re a publication, funder, policymaker, or community member — there’s a place for you in the coalition.