Why Community-Based & Independent Media Matters

CIMA members:

• Reach and reflect communities often ignored by mainstream media, especially in Chicago’s “news deserts,” where trusted local coverage is limited or nonexistent.

• Hold systems of power accountable, acting as watchdogs deeply embedded in the communities they serve.

• Provide critical, accessible information, including multilingual content that meets the needs of immigrant, BIPOC, and working-class communities.

• Share authentic, community-rooted storytelling that centers lived experience and cultural identity.

• Redefine what media can be, from century-old newspapers to nonprofit newsrooms, youth-led platforms, podcasts, filmmakers, and digital-first creators.

At the retreat, members emphasized the need for collective solutions—from resource sharing and mentorship to joint fundraising and other infrastructure needs. This growing solidarity is the foundation of CIMA’s mission: to support an ecosystem where community media can thrive, not just survive.

Independent, grassroots media is critical to civic engagement, cultural preservation, and a more equitable Chicago. Through collaboration, CIMA members are building a future where journalism serves all of us.

Explore the CIMA Media Directory to discover the power and potential of community-driven media in action.