Fourth annual conference will feature national speakers, new statewide research, and practical strategies for independent publishers
(Bend, Ore., July 16, 2026) — ForJournalism (FORJ) will host its 4th Annual Oregon Rural and Small-Town Journalism Conference on July 29–30 at Central Oregon Community College in Bend, bringing together publishers, journalists, funders, educators, policymakers, and community leaders to explore practical solutions for strengthening local news.
The event is free and open to the public and is expected to draw more than 125 attendees from Oregon and across the Pacific Northwest. This year’s conference theme, “From Survival to Sustainability: The Oregon Opportunity,” reflects the growing momentum behind efforts to strengthen Oregon’s independent local news ecosystem, beginning with a keynote address by Charlie Brown, Executive Director of the Trust for Civic Life. The conference will also feature representatives of Press Forward, Rebuild Local News, Associated Press, the Oregon Legislature, and journalism leaders and academics from across the region.
The conference builds upon FORJ‘s broader work helping Oregon’s independent publishers build stronger organizations through research, workforce development, shared resources, and practical operational support.
At the conference Welcome Reception from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, NW Opinions founder Adam Davis will present findings from the Oregon Independent Publisher Sustainability Report, commissioned by FORJ. The report highlights both the resilience of Oregon’s independent publishers and the operational challenges they face, while identifying opportunities to strengthen digital capacity, audience growth, and long-term sustainability. Community members are invited to register to attend the reception, even if they will not attend the full conference.
“Local news is essential civic infrastructure,” said Caroline Merenda, Director of Chapter Advancement for Press Forward. “What excites me about this conference is that it brings together publishers, funders, educators, and community partners who are committed to finding practical ways to help local news thrive. Oregon is building relationships and ideas that other states can learn from.”
Conference participants will choose from three learning tracks—Innovative Tools, Emerging Business Models, and Digital Strategies—with sessions covering artificial intelligence, audience development, newsletter automation, analytics, nonprofit transitions, community fundraising, public records reporting, and workforce development.
The conference also includes a national panel discussion on The Future of Local News: Policy, Philanthropy and the Path Forward, featuring leaders working at the intersection of journalism, public policy, and philanthropy. The event concludes with a discussion on expanding pathways into local journalism for students and emerging reporters through innovative workforce partnerships.
“This conference is about networking and sharing practical ideas that publishers can take home and put to work,” said Heidi Wright, President of FORJ. “Over the past several years, we’ve learned that Oregon’s independent publishers aren’t short on commitment or creativity. What they often need is access to the tools, partnerships, and support that help them build stronger, more sustainable organizations. That’s what this conference is designed to provide.”
Registration is open to publishers, journalists, students, community leaders, nonprofit organizations, and anyone interested in the future of local journalism.
Learn more about the conference and register at forjournalism.org.
About FORJ
ForJournalism (FORJ) strengthens Oregon’s independent rural, small-town, and emerging publishers by building shared infrastructure, workforce pathways, and practical support services that help local news organizations become more sustainable. Through research, training, partnerships, and hands-on assistance, FORJ works alongside publishers to strengthen independent community journalism throughout Oregon.
