Corporation for Public Broadcasting Launches Two New Local Journalism Centers

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) today announced funding for two new Local Journalism Centers (LJCs) in the Northwest and Southern regions of the country.

The new LJCs will expand the major journalism initiative launched last March from five regions to seven regions around the country, increasing original local reporting capacity in those areas. In the Northwest -- where economy and lifestyle are intricately entwined with the environment -- Oregon Public Broadcasting leads a consortium of stations aiming to become the primary source for regional environmental coverage. The Southern Regional Education Desk is a Local Journalism Center formed by Georgia Public Broadcasting, Alabama Public Television, WBHM-FM, Louisiana Public Broadcasting, KEDM-FM, Mississippi Public Broadcasting, WNPT-TV, and WUOT-FM.

In addition, CPB also announced it is awarding a $538,000 grant to Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB) in Baton Rouge for expanded reporting on the Gulf Coast Oil Spill.