We know that a name like Community-Engaged Media might raise a few questions—and we welcome them. Below, we’ve gathered some of the most frequently asked questions (as well as a few we think you should be asking) about what we do, how we define community-engaged media, and what role CCEM plays in journalism, civic communication, and beyond. Whether you’re a journalist, researcher, student, or community member, we hope this helps you better understand our mission and how you can get involved.
Questions We Often Hear (and Think You Should Ask)
What does “community-engaged media” mean?
For us, community-engaged or community-centered media refers to media that is created for and ideally with community members, rather than just being about communities. This approach to civic media centers the needs and assets of a community. Some of the projects we have been involved in previously include the Kensington Voice and the Germantown Info Hub, where we researched what community members wanted from local media and involved them in the design of the projects. This approach also provides the foundation for the Inclusion Index, a comprehensive, research-based program focused on community engagement and inclusion housed at the American Press Institute. We view community-centered journalism and other channels of civic convening and information sharing as means to support healthier, more engaged, and equitable communities.
What does CCEM do?
We support research and projects that center community information needs and assets and that explore how we can better contribute to the communication health of communities. This might involve a research-based civic media project, collaborating with traditional newsrooms to explore ways to better engage communities in journalism, or conducting research on alternative information infrastructures and storytelling methods.
Why start a new center?
While the Center for Community-Engaged Media is relatively new (starting in 2024), it is building on a long tradition of trying to connect theory and practice to support the civic health of communities. Several of us involved in the center have been undertaking engaged research, where we assess the information needs and assets of communities and then collaborate with stakeholders in these communities and journalism to develop projects in response. This work can be challenging to do as individual faculty members. We identified a need and an opportunity to support this work and create a space where civic media practitioners and researchers can learn from one another.
Is CCEM a newsroom?
No. CCEM supports newsrooms through research on issues of concern to them and by providing training on best practices related to community-centered journalism. This includes our work with the Philadelphia Journalism Collaborative.
If you are not a newsroom, what role are you playing with the Philadelphia Journalism Collaborative?
Excellent question. Founded by Resolve Philly, the Philadelphia Journalism Collaborative encourages newsrooms in the Philadelphia region to work collectively on stories of great importance to local residents. We support the collaborative infrastructure that organizes meetings and communication between partners. We also provide a pool of funding that newsroom partners can apply for to support their work, and on occasion, we will help guide the direction of the work and offer some editing assistance. Drawing on our base at Klein College, we will help talented students connect with PJC newsrooms and develop class projects related to PJC goals. PJC editorial content, however, is decided upon by the collaborative's members, and reporting is conducted and led by the collaborative's newsrooms. Stories are published on the news sites of each partner, in addition to the PJC webpage.
Got it. So, is CCEM a journalism-support organization?
Another excellent question. While CCEM supports journalism, our primary goal is to support all efforts that help communities get the information necessary for them to thrive. Not all of this information is produced by newsrooms, nor is all of this information “journalism.” We also produce and support research-based projects that involve community organizations and artistic endeavors, helping to inform and connect communities. That is why we are CCEM, not CCEJ. And everything we do must first and foremost center the needs and assets of communities. That is why CCEM should be seen as an effort focused on improving civic information and communication infrastructure within communities. This of course, includes journalism, but also covers many other forms of media and communication.
Do you only work with efforts within the Philadelphia region?
While our work primarily focuses on the Philadelphia region, we also plan to support projects from outside our area. This could involve direct research, conducted either by our own faculty or other scholars, or consultation.
So you will work with researchers who are not based at Temple University?
Yes. The Center will collaborate with researchers, both within and outside the academy, and offer small stipends for work that aligns with our mission or complements one of our existing projects.
We know you aren’t doing this for free. How are you funded?
CCEM was created through the Steve Charles Community Journalism fund. In addition, CCEM has received grant funding from the following sources.
- Henry Luce Foundation
- Lenfest Foundation
- Independence Public Media Foundation
- Wyncote Foundation
- Comcast
When possible, CCEM also receives money through its consulting and training services.
How can we support CCEM?
We take support in a variety of ways. Please visit our support tab for more details.