Simon Galperin, Executive Editor, The Jersey Bee and Ayinde Merrill, Program Officer, NJ Civic Info Consortium, hosted the February 2026 Exchange, ‘Local News as Civic Infrastructure.’

Simon and Ayinde discussed the critical importance and impact of local news, which aims to inform, engage and equip its communities. Simon and Ayinde reminded the audience that every issue is a local news issue, and that national headlines are built from local realities. Local news is not an industry, but an infrastructure that raises awareness – awareness about how civics works, how to participate in civic life and how to get involved. It plays a key role in bridging the gap between communities and the resources they need, such as information about municipal zoning and planning, and the navigation of the voting process. Access to information strengthens communities, changes lives and provides a road map on how to get involved.

If you missed the Exchange live, you can view a recording here.