Block by Block 2012 highlights evolving local independent online publisher community

Block by Block 2012 highlights evolving local independent online publisher community 

Just two years ago, a group of local independent online publishers came together in Chicago at the inaugural BlockbyBlock Community News Summit. They connected with each other, shared war stories, discussed online journalism innovation and even addressed sustainability of their independent online publications.

Supported by the Reynolds Journalism Institute, The Patterson Foundation and other funders, the inaugural summit was deemed a success in many ways because it brought together people from a small but mighty niche in local, independent journalism.

As the publishers get ready for the third BlockbyBlock summit Sept. 13-15 in Chicago, it’s clear the community of independent publishers is thriving, organizing and maturing. 

The group began efforts to more formally organize during the 2011 summit. Out of those efforts, LIONPublishers, a trade association for the viability and excellence of locally focused independent online news organizations, was born.

The Patterson Foundation is subsidizing a significant portion of dues for LION’s early members.