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More than 100 journalists, business leaders, educators and community members convened this summer at the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute to discuss the future of media health in Arkansas. Last month, the Institute released a report with the gathering’s key findings. Both the convening and the report grew out of months of listening sessions in 22 communities where Arkansans told us what they need to feel connected, informed and empowered.
The message was clear: People want trustworthy, local information that helps them understand what is happening and how they can play a part in shaping their communities.
Several themes emerged from the gathering and the report:
1. Local information is a business issue.
Arkansans expressed frustration at having to track half a dozen social media pages just to know what’s happening in their town. This noise erodes trust and makes it harder to build community momentum. Employers, chambers and civic institutions have an opportunity to work with local media to streamline information access. Clear, reliable communication helps employees and customers alike feel more rooted and engaged.
2. Media literacy builds stronger communities.
When 62% of Arkansans report little to no trust in the national news, the instinct may be to see this as solely a media problem. However, the convening reinforced that trust grows when people know how to evaluate information and see local stories told with clarity. Business leaders who invest in employee education — whether through internal communications, civic partnerships, or youth programming — contribute to a more informed, resilient workforce.
3. Collaboration is essential.
Participants called for more collaboration between media, schools, municipalities, nonprofits and the private sector. For business leaders, this means leaning in as a convener or sponsor of cross-sector initiatives. Shared projects — student internships in local newsrooms, providing school classrooms with newspaper subscriptions or advisory boards — can strengthen civic health and the talent pipeline.
4. Action matters more than awareness.
Communities want media that not only informs but empowers. That means including calls to action — how to attend a meeting, volunteer for a cause or participate in civic life. Businesses can model this approach by making community engagement part of their own communication strategies and giving employees and customers clear ways to connect and contribute.
5. Innovation is required.
We heard growing interest in nonprofit news models, regional convenings and training programs that prepare journalists and citizens to participate more effectively in civic life. Arkansas can lead the reimagination of how information ecosystems function. Business leaders can play a catalytic role with their expertise in scaling models and investing in innovation.
The work ahead involves building structures that turn these conversations into lasting change. For Arkansas businesses, the payoff is significant: healthier communities, a more engaged citizenry ready to meet the challenges ahead and stronger local economies.
The health of our civic life is inseparable from the health of our business climate. By stepping up as partners in this work, Arkansas business leaders can help ensure our communities are not only informed but are empowered to thrive.
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