Hundreds of journalists in New Jersey will be out of work come November. New Jersey is already one of the most underserved states when it comes to local news coverage.
The images are shocking: security guards, armed with dogs and pepper spray, attacking peaceful Native Americans marching against the Dakota Access Pipeline. The footage from Democracy Now! is a brutal reminder that those in power will do anything to stop people from standing against injustice.
Newsrooms are experimenting with different ways of engaging their audiences — and over the last few months Free Press has been on the ground figuring out the best ways to connect Garden State journalists and residents via our News Voices: New Jersey project.
While Asbury Park often feels like a city divided, there was an incredible spirit of unity at the high school Wednesday night as residents and journalists came together to find ways to forge a strong future for the community.
I grew up on the Jersey Shore and have always known Asbury Park as a city rich in culture, the arts and music. As a former reporter for the Asbury Park Press, I’ve seen firsthand the resiliency of local residents, who have survived riots, hurricanes and years of broken promises.
