Tucson Spotlight has received a Civic Media Playbook "Listen" grant from the Listening Post Collective to improve local news coverage in underserved communities across Southern Arizona.

The funding will support a community-led information ecosystem assessment focused on historically underrepresented neighborhoods in Pima County, including Spanish-speaking communities. The assessment will help Spotlight tailor its reporting and outreach to better serve these areas.

The Listening Post Collective’s Playbook grants provide resources and expert guidance to media organizations working to strengthen civic information access. Grantees also gain access to a network of media professionals, tailored mentorship and opportunities for sustainable growth.

Tucson Spotlight will use the grant to conduct a nine-month assessment that includes bilingual surveys, events, listening sessions and one-on-one interviews with residents in areas such as South Tucson, as well as with youth, older adults and Spanish-speaking households.

The project aims to identify information gaps, trusted sources and preferred communication methods. Findings will shape Spotlight’s future outreach and news products. A bilingual public report will be released at the end of the project, alongside an internal action plan.

Tucson Spotlight’s mission aligns with the goals of the Listening Post Collective, as both organizations are committed to strengthening local news ecosystems and ensuring that all communities have access to the information they need to thrive.

Click here to learn more about the grant and the collective. Sign up for our newsletter to learn more about future events and contact Spotlight Publisher Caitlin Schmidt at caitlin@tucsonspotlight.org if you'd like to participate in the assessment.

Tucson Spotlight is a community-based newsroom that provides paid opportunities for students and rising journalists in Southern Arizona. Please consider supporting our work with a tax-deductible donation.