A simple framework to help us decide how to put our limited resources to use

A theory of change borrows a practice from people who regularly do change work. It can help journalists and newsrooms understand who they really need to reach and why. And it can help them articulate the pathway from information consumption to civic action. This clarity helps us determine how best to use our limited resources. 

We often hear lofty notions about journalism’s role in sustaining democracy. Some argue we can’t have a free society without a free press. For many years, news outlets relied on mass distribution to inform the public and help them make important decisions in their lives. But today, audiences are fractured on- and offline, and many newsrooms are laboring with limited resources. 

Philanthropic money has tried to close the gap. And as more nonprofit newsrooms crop up offering a new fiscal model for local news, it’s a perfect time to rethink our assumptions about journalism’s role in sustaining democracy. 

Simply put: It is time to deeply consider how we interact with other democratic institutions and the public and to consider the multiple avenues for change at our disposal.

Journalists have plenty to learn from organizers who often conduct a thorough assessment of the political, legal and demographic landscape before deciding on a campaign. Though we are not actively engaged in advocating for specific policies or outcomes, we still need a clear understanding of the way information can reach people and help them take action.

If our “campaign” is increased civic engagement, which may look like restoring trust in our public institutions, protecting free speech, holding the powerful to account, or informing the public ahead of important elections, then we need to spell out the process for how we achieve these aims.

Simply put: It is time to deeply consider how we interact with other democratic institutions and the public and to consider the multiple avenues for change at our disposal.

Robust civic engagement, especially at the local level, is critical in our current political climate. Many important decisions about a wide range of aspects of our lives are made locally. And local news outlets are the best situated to help their audiences understand the opportunities that exist within their own communities. This work is essential ahead of the midterms when we get to choose who will make decisions on our behalf. In 2026, for example, residents in 36 states will get to choose their next  Governor.  

We’ve seen the power of a clear theory of change firsthand in our own newsrooms. We have worked for corporate outlets including the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post and Slate to mission driven newsrooms like the Markup, Documented and The Marshall Project. Each of these experiences has raised important questions about why we do our work, who we want to serve, and how best to tell the stories we report and produce. 

We have also found that not all newsrooms have the same interest or capacity to think critically about the role of journalism today. This has led us to develop strategies to stay true to our respective missions and advocate for our work even in environments that are less supportive to the notion that journalism can and should spur change. 

We also make work that directly serves key segments of our organization’s audience. Lam has reported extensively on misinformation within the Vietnamese community across the U.S. Nicole creates work for people who are affected by the justice system, including those behind bars as well as their families. This direct engagement with our audience has changed how we see the potential impact of our storytelling. 

Now, we’re excited to bring all the various lessons together to create resources for our industry peers. 

But first, we want to hear from you. Are you part of a mission-driven newsroom? Are you deeply skeptical that journalists should be in the change making business? Have you developed a theory of change for your outlet or for a specific project? Are you a change maker or organizer who has notes for the media industry? Have you researched journalism’s role in making or derailing social change efforts in the U.S.? Do you just want to learn more?

If so, drop us a line. You can book time to meet with Nicole about your interests and our project by using this link. And you can follow our work closely by adding your contact information and a few details to the form below. We won’t share it with anyone and we promise not to spam your inbox. 

---

Cite this article

Lewis, Nicole; and Vo, Lam (2025, July 29). Why journalists need a theory of change. Reynolds Journalism Institute. Retrieved from: https://rjionline.org/news/why-journalists-need-a-theory-of-change/