The American Press Institute (API) supports local and community-based media through research, programs and products that foster healthy, responsive and resilient news organizations.

They divide how they approach this work into four focus areas that they believe are critical to our industry and to our country:

1. Civic discourse and democracy: Working to ensure all people have the information they need to make decisions and thrive.

2. Culture and inclusion: Mentoring journalism professionals toward integrating diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in every aspect of their work.

3. Community engagement and trust: Supporting news organizations as they build trusted relationships with their communities.

4. Revenue and resilience: Providing news organizations with the tools and resources they need to think creatively and achieve overall wellness.

History

Founded in 1946, the American Press Institute’s (API) mission was to help the news industry fulfill the purpose of the First Amendment – to sustain a free press in the public interest. That mission continues in the modern era.

API initially was located at Columbia University’s Journalism School before moving in 1974 to Reston, Va. In early 2012 API merged with the NAA Foundation, which was established in 1963. The new organization has since expanded its mission of training through research, convening, digital education, workshops and more.

API is an educational non-advocacy 501(c)3 nonprofit organization affiliated with the News Media Alliance. It aims to help the news media, especially local publishers and newspaper media, advance in the digital age.

Visit the American Press Institute website for more information.