Public Media at a Crossroads: What We Heard at the Press Forward Summit
Last month in Charlotte, N.C., Media Impact Funders co-hosted a keynote conversation with Press Forward on the future of public media in a moment of profound change. With the federal government eliminating funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting for the first time in more than 50 years, local public radio and television stations—especially those […]
The New Realities of Documentary Funding | MIF Network Meeting
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A Critical Moment for Public Media
Last week, Congress passed H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025, which cuts $1.1 billion from public media funding, delivering a devastating blow to the institutions that millions of Americans depend on for trusted information, education, and connection. This decision is unthinkable—and unacceptable. Public media has long served as a critical thread in the fabric […]
Member Spotlight: Chicken & Egg Films
Chaos and confusion; that about sums up the current U.S. political environment, right? “I think that’s the strategy,” Chicken & Egg Films CEO Jenni Wolfson says. “To unmoor us all.” A longtime MIF member, Chicken & Egg Films is our member spotlight this month. To celebrate their 20th anniversary and their work to support women […]
Media Spotlight: “Fox Chase Boy”
It’s hard to imagine turning a story of unspeakable childhood trauma into a film that can make you laugh and fill you with hope. But that’s exactly what writer, performer and filmmaker Gerad Argeros did with “Fox Chase Boy,” a short documentary based on his one-man show in which he confronts his trauma of […]
Independent Film at a Crossroads Meeting Notes
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WATCH: Access Matters: Funders Role in Advancing Accessibility in Media and Film
We explored the current state of disability representation in media and why it is crucial to address the persistent lack of inclusivity and support for people with disabilities. This representation matters because it shapes public perception and opportunities, yet individuals with disabilities often face barriers to equitable participation and portrayal. The panelists provided actionable insights […]
Highlights from JFunders24: Day 2
Day 2 of JFunders24 was focused on funder-only discussions, some meant to expand funders’ understanding of journalism grantmaking—such as a session unpacking the mechanics of for-profit grantmaking—and others that were meant to explore opportunities for support in areas such as legal threats, digital and physical safety and security, the backlash against racial equity, and more. […]
Highlights from JFunders24: Day 1
At a time when pillars of American journalism such as The Washington Post and The Los Angeles Times are crumbling at the hands of their billionaire owners, leading lights of journalism and philanthropy came together last week for the annual gathering of journalism funders at public media bulwark KQED in San Francisco to explore how […]
The 2024 Media Impact Forum: The Stories We Tell
The 2024 Media Impact Forum served as an important reminder that storytelling is the bridge we desperately need to foster understanding in a fractured world. Journalists and creators are on the front lines, crafting narratives that transcend cultural and regional boundaries. Their work is essential for promoting empathy and a more informed future. The Forum […]