Summit returns March 12, 2025
Our state has been through a lot over the past year — a major election, a natural disaster, legislative decisions affecting all North Carolinians, and continued darkness in open government. Still, journalists and other information providers continue to highlight these statewide issues, while also navigating the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Our fourth annual NC News & Information Summit returns March 12, 2025, at NC Central University. We will celebrate your work while calling attention to the statewide challenges and opportunities facing local news and open government access.
Our keynote will spotlight the communication crisis and unwavering WNC news coverage of Hurricane Helene’s aftermath. We’ll spotlight the journalists, information providers and supporters who provided a lifeline to their communities. Attendees will get a first look at a new toolkit to help communicators, journalists, funders and community partners prepare and act during natural disasters.
The Summit will once again convene participants to lead sessions on big ideas, case studies and best practices to improve public access to information and open government. We’ll also announce the annual Sunshine Awards and the Frank Barrows Award for Excellence in Student Journalism.
We’re inviting pitches for sessions through Jan. 3, and we seek diversity in ideas, perspectives and session facilitators. Join us for this day of learning and action. Get involved by attending, leading a session or sponsoring the day.
Hosted by the NC Open Government Coalition and the NC Local News Workshop, the fourth annual NC News & Information Summit returns Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Durham at North Carolina Central University.
About the Summit
Our Mission
The NC News & Information Summit supports communities’ access to reliable news and information about issues that affect the lives of North Carolinians. We put this mission into practice by hosting an annual event during national Sunshine Week where journalists, government officials, and freedom of information advocates participate in workshops, share ideas and launch projects to improve North Carolina’s news and information ecosystem.
Ecosystem Impact
Convening drives ideation, collaboration and outcomes.
That’s been our experience from the past several years of producing our annual summit. Previous summits have led to outcomes that address the needs of North Carolina’s communities and build capacity for journalists in our state, such as:
- Formation of a collaborative elections reporting initiative
- Building connections between public media organizations through a roundtable discussion
- Enhanced legal support from the Reporter’s Committee for Freedom of the Press
- Development of programs to address sustainability and diversity, equity and inclusion in local news
- Data trainings on environmental justice, government transparency and campaign finance
- Creation of community listening programs based on Summit attendee input
- Practical guidance on fundraising strategies for independent news organizations
Here’s what our Summit attendees say:
“I’ve loved being part of the NC News & Information Summit, both as an attendee and a speaker. I look forward to my third Summit in 2025. It’s so invigorating to meet, talk to and learn from journalists, organizations and experts from across our state and country, all with a common goal: Making local news better for everyone. Whether you’re looking for new ideas or partnerships, or just need a reminder of why we do what we do, you’ll find it at the Summit.”
Laura Brache – Audience Growth Producer, The News & Observer
“The NC Local News Summit consistently is a can’t-miss conference for me. The sessions always are diverse and valuable, the networking is authentic and unforced, and the back-end of the house – where WiFi, ID lanyards, meals and assorted whatnot live – is always tight. Most of all, though, I attend because the local news scene in North Carolina is so inspiring – a real beacon for other states – and that’s in large part due to the work of Shannan Bowen.”
Rusty Coats – Executive Director, Journalism Funding Partners
“With the fractured news landscape and polarization, reliable information networks that are both trustworthy and trusted are more important than ever. The Summit offers a unique opportunity for journalists, government officials, and civic-minded citizens to come together and think about open government and how transparency can strengthen our democracy and our communities.”
C. Amanda Martin – Supervising Attorney, First Amendment Clinic
Get Involved
Your connection adds value
We’re growing our annual Summit to meet increased demand for high-quality, impactful, community-focused reporting, as well as access to public information and open government. We’re seeking sustaining partners for that journey.
Sponsor of Day
Sponsors help make our Summit possible. They support stipends for people who travel from the far corners of our state, our keynote presentations, and operations for the day. This year, we’re prioritizing stipends for journalists and information providers traveling from Western NC and who are based in communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. Sponsors donating more than $2,500 are invited to attend a March 11 sponsor dinner.
Sponsorship tiers
- Long Leaf Pine Sponsor ($10,000+)
- Dogwood Sponsors ($5,000-$9,999)
- Cardinal Sponsors ($1,000-$4,999)
- Lighthouse Sponsors ($500-$999)
- Sweet Tea Sustainers ($250-$499)
To commit as a sponsor, email Shannan Bowen at sbowen5@elon.edu and Pate McMichael at pmcmichael@elon.edu.
Attend
Join us at the 2025 NC News & Information Summit on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at NC Central University. Registration is open. We have expanded capacity, but we encourage participants to register early. A limited number of free student tickets are available. Sponsors receive admission based on their donation tier, and we also provide stipends and free tickets for students, session leaders and WNC journalists.
Pitch a Session
Summit participants may pitch sessions they’d like to facilitate or lead during the day. Our advisory committee selects a diverse slate of sessions and speakers that address the needs of news and information professionals. Pitch a session by Friday, Jan. 3.