My Journey with the First Amendment Foundation of Ventura County

The idea for the First Amendment Foundation of Ventura County was formed back in July, 2021. It began with a clear and urgent need: local journalism requires a stronger foundation to survive.

The organization officially became a 501(c)3 on April 25, 2022 and I served as Executive Director until January 1, 2025. Now, I'm moving into the role of Chair of the Board, with John Brooks handling day-to-day leadership as the Executive Director.

We are proud to be a truly independent journalism support organization, unaffiliated with any particular publication, party, or cause.

Local journalism, and journalists, in action.

Understanding the Fragility of Local Journalism

After years of leading the Institute for Nonprofit News (https://INN.org) and then working with independent news organizations all over the world, I recognized how fragile the media ecosystem can be—especially for freelancers, stringers, and small outlets that struggle to pay living wages.

At the same time, I was applying principles from my textbook, Community-Powered Journalism: A Manual for Sustainability & Growth in Independent News (https://CommunityPoweredJournalism.com), which emphasizes that reporters and communities can create more impactful stories by collaborating rather than working in isolation.

We are a community aimed at fostering local journalism and skill-sharing.

The Road Ahead

Looking ahead, our commitment to ensuring that journalism in Ventura County thrives is unwavering.

This journey is a collective one, and it needs the enthusiastic support and engagement of all local stakeholders. Let's work together to increase and enhance the communal role that journalism plays in our society, ensuring it remains a lively and indispensable element of—and based in—our region.

Thank you for your support. Together, we can ensure that journalism in Ventura County not only survives but thrives.

– Kevin L. J. Davis, Chair of the Board.