Oklahoma Media Center Inc.

The Oklahoma Media Center Inc. is a nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and strengthening Oklahoma's local journalism ecosystem. Its mission is to foster statewide collaboration that benefits diverse audiences by providing funding, training, and fostering collaboration among local news media organizations.

Mission and Goals

The Oklahoma Media Center aims to enhance the local news industry through three primary strategies:

• Funding: Providing financial support to participating news organizations.
• Training: Offering best-practice training to elevate the industry's standards.
• Collaboration: Encouraging a culture of collaboration among local news outlets, thereby amplifying the reach and impact of their reporting[1].

Impact and Initiatives

Since its inception, OMC has successfully raised over $1 million to bolster the local news industry. It has worked with numerous news organizations across Oklahoma, including nonprofit outlets like Oklahoma Watch, The Frontier, and NonDoc, as well as Indigenous and Black-owned media outlets such as The Oklahoma Eagle and Mvskoke Media[1][5].

OMC has also initiated a statewide ecosystem engagement project that includes scientific polling, academic field research, and training in collaboration with Trusting News. This project aims to identify where citizens obtain their local news, and it supports news organizations in implementing data-driven projects to enhance community engagement[1].

Furthermore, OMC launched the "Free Press Isn't Free" campaign to promote local news literacy and trust in journalism. This campaign includes educational videos inspired by "Schoolhouse Rock!" and targets a broader audience to support local newsrooms financially[4].

Criteria for Collaboration

OMC collaborates with professional news media organizations that adhere to the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Code of Ethics. Collaborators must not be affiliated with partisan political groups or special interest organizations. Opinion journalism is permissible if the outlet also engages in traditional reporting. Collaborators must maintain a physical presence in Oklahoma or have a significant coverage area within the state[2].

Membership and Governance

Membership in the Oklahoma Media Center is free and open to eligible organizations. The criteria for membership may evolve as necessary. OMC's governance includes a Board of Directors responsible for guiding its strategic initiatives[2].