Bolstering community-level democratic establishments independently
In 2023, the Alliance of Independent Local Media (Allianz unabhängiger Lokalmedien) was founded, with the organisational assistance of CORRECTIV StartHub. This group, comprising various independent local media outlets, including Bürgerportal Bergisch Gladbach, VierNULL in Düsseldorf, RUMS in Münster, Wokreisel in Brandenburg, kolumna in Konstanz, loky* in Berlin, and the Relevanzreporter in Nuremberg, prioritizes the importance of real encounters and open spaces for eye-level discourses alongside digital media.
The alliance values reliable information, engagement, and local encounters as the foundation of their democracy. They are social entrepreneurs, seeking new solutions for journalism in their neighbourhoods and developing innovative formats. Their shared vision is to strengthen local democracy through community journalism.
The alliance encourages contributions from the community, including expertise, networks, time, and money, to create a newsroom carried by the people. They produce constructive journalism that not only names problems but puts solutions at the centre. The public interest and the impact of their journalism take precedence over commercial interests, ensuring journalism that strengthens local democracy.
Their journalism focuses on relationships with people in the community and involves those who have not been reached by traditional journalism. They create an empathetic, well-informed, and participatory society using the tools of journalism.
Recently, the alliance launched their first major action called "Your Voice, Your Topics" for the federal election and the NRW municipal election. This initiative aims to give a platform to the voices of the community and ensure that their concerns and ideas are at the forefront of the political discourse.
The alliance also shares solutions, knowledge, tools, and infrastructure with other members of the alliance to advance more quickly and pave the way for other actors. They are committed to growing and expanding the pillar of independent community media in the future. With their dedication to open, community-focused journalism, the Alliance of Independent Local Media is making a significant contribution to the democratic process.
