Minnesota News Media Institute

The Minnesota News Media Institute is making a difference for the future of Minnesota's communities by supporting the local journalism that builds vital community ties, enhances residents' sense of place, provides vital information about local government and issues, and works to improve how journalism serves its communities and neighborhoods. 

As part of that mission, MNI provides: 

• Specialized, innovative training like Citizen Journalism University, an intensive 5-week program that trains community members to become ethical journalists, close coverage gaps in communities and improve media literacy in rural and urban neigborhoods statewide and beyond;
• MNI-sponsored paid internship opportunities for high school and college students;
• Training and continuing education to news media professionals across Minnesota;
• Research and data about the state of journalism and audiences in Minnesota on all platforms;
• Advocacy for community journalism within the larger nonprofit sector;
• Information about the constitutional role and responsibilities of a free press and how it impacts community well-being, elections, local and state government, the arts and civic life.

The Minnesota News Media Institute is a 501(c)3 partnership of the more than 250 online, print, for-profit and nonprofit members of the Minnesota Newspaper Association. 

To learn more about MNI's programming, suggest training or public forums, please contact Lisa Schwarz, MNI's Director of Development & Communications at lisas@mna.org.