Missouri Journalism School Launches $1.4M Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk
The University of Missouri School of Journalism has secured a $1.4 million, three-year grant from the Walton Family Foundation. This funding will establish the Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk, a collaborative network of journalists dedicated to enhancing coverage of agriculture, water, and environmental issues in the region.
Starting July 12, newsrooms can apply for one of the ten competitive positions offered through a partnership with Report for America. These journalists will receive comprehensive training and mentorship from faculty and staff at the Missouri School of Journalism, along with experts from the Society of Environmental Journalists (SEJ).
The Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk aims to tackle the challenge faced by local newsrooms with limited budgets and reduced staffing for covering agriculture issues. Applications for five veteran journalist positions will open in August 2021. The network will be part of the School of Journalism's emerging Center for Science Communication and will incorporate student courses in immersive, multi-platform storytelling.
Sara Shipley Hiles, an associate professor at the Missouri School of Journalism, will serve as the executive director of the project. Five veteran journalists from the region will act as advisors and collaborators for the initiative.
The Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk, backed by a $1.4 million grant, seeks to bolster regional coverage of crucial environmental and agricultural topics. With ten new journalist positions and mentorship opportunities, the project aims to strengthen local newsrooms and foster informed dialogue within the community.
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