Pacific News Service dba New America Media

Introduction

Pacific News Service (PNS), also operating as New America Media, was a U.S. nonprofit alternative news media organization founded in 1969 by historian Franz Schurmann and journalist Orville Schell. Initially focused on covering the U.S. role in Indochina during the Vietnam War, PNS evolved over the years to address broader U.S. issues and became a leading platform for ethnic media.

History

• Founding and Early Years: PNS was established by Franz Schurmann and Orville Schell to provide mainstream newspapers with independent insights and reporting on the U.S. involvement in Indochina during the Vietnam War[1][3]. Following the end of the Vietnam War in the mid-1970s, PNS shifted its focus to U.S. issues under the direction of Executive Editor Sandy Close[1][3].
• Expansion and Diversification: Under Sandy Close's leadership, PNS explored topics like immigration, technological advancements, religious fundamentalism, urban isolation, and demographic shifts in California[3]. It launched YO Youth Outlook, a magazine published by and about young people, to amplify youth voices[1][3].
• New America Media: In 1996, PNS founded New America Media as a clearinghouse for news from and about America's ethnic media communities[1][4]. This initiative aimed to foster collaboration among ethnic news organizations and provide a platform for diverse voices[4].

Notable Ventures and Awards

• Awards and Recognition: Sandy Close received the MacArthur Genius Award in 1995 for her groundbreaking approach to journalism[1][4]. The film Breathing Lessons: The Life and Work of Mark O'Brien, co-produced by PNS, won an Academy Award in 1997[4][5].
• Legacy: Despite its closure in 2017, Pacific News Service and New America Media's legacy continues through the careers of journalists they mentored and organizations like Youth Radio[4].

Challenges and Closure

• Growth and Sustainability Issues: The organization faced significant growth challenges, With New America Media expanding to involve over 3,000 ethnic publications[4]. However, this rapid expansion led to financial sustainability issues, ultimately resulting in the closure of both PNS and New America Media in 2017[1][4].

Impact and Legacy

Pacific News Service and New America Media played pivotal roles in challenging traditional narratives and fostering inclusive journalism, especially focusing on voices from diverse ethnic communities. Their commitment to providing a platform for marginalized groups significantly impacted American media, creating a lasting legacy despite their closure[4][5].