Arizona Media Association + Arizona Local News Foundation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 3, 2025

PHOENIX – The Arizona Local News Foundation is announcing a major expansion of its Arizona Community Collaborative thanks to a $250,000 gift from Grand Canyon University (GCU).

This new investment will grow local journalism focused on Arizona education solutions and increase public service advertising to connect families with vital education resources.

GCU’s partnership adds fuel to a multi-million-dollar, first-of-its-kind statewide initiative designed to reshape Arizona conversation and spotlight solutions-focused journalism about the state’s biggest challenges.

“Grand Canyon University is proud to partner in this effort because we share a deep commitment to finding solutions that strengthen education across Arizona,” said Bob Romantic, executive director of Communications and Public Relations at GCU. “From tackling workforce shortages in nursing, teaching, and the trades, to expanding opportunities in technology and engineering, to ensuring that all students—including those from disadvantaged populations—have a clear pathway to success, we want to be part of the solution for Arizona families and communities.”

GCU’s investment will expand grant funding from the Arizona Community Collaborative that has already supported the hire of 15 new journalists in communities across Arizona to report on education solutions—spotlighting innovation, programs, and opportunities helping students succeed

All reporting produced through this initiative is free of paywalls, with participating media outlets pledging to share content widely and with attribution.

“This generous gift from Grand Canyon University marks an important milestone in our mission to expand access to high-quality, solutions-focused journalism,” said Chris Kline, President and CEO of the Arizona Media Association and Arizona Local News Foundation. “Education is a critical infrastructure for Arizona’s future. We need to amplify the stories of what’s working and ensure families across the state know about the choices and opportunities available to them.”

The Collaborative also includes expanded public service advertising on TV, radio, print, and digital platforms through the Arizona Media Association’s Public Education Program (PEP)—increasing the megaphone for solutions-focused storytelling and programs.

Grand Canyon University joins a growing list of partners in the Arizona Community Collaborative, including Potoff Private Philanthropy, Burton Family Foundation, Center for the Future of Arizona, Report for America, Scripps Howard Foundation, Flinn Foundation, and the Arizona Media Association.

The Arizona Local News Foundation connects communities across our state with more impactful local news to drive our state forward. Backed by nearly 400 local media brands that are part of the Arizona Media Association and overseen by an independent board of directors, the Foundation funds programs that make information more accessible and impactful in every Arizona community.

The Arizona Media Association is the nonprofit trade association for Arizona’s local radio, TV, print, and digital industry. Its mission is to create a future-proof community connection by amplifying the unique role local media plays in every Arizona neighborhood.

Read more about the Arizona Local News Foundation here: https://azmedia.org/foundation/collaborative