Mission

The Journalism Center on Children & Families (JCCF) inspires and recognizes exemplary reporting in children and families, especially the disadvantaged. Since 1993, over 14,000 print, broadcast and online journalists have attended our intensive training programs and relied on us for balanced information and resources. The Center is a nonprofit program of the Philip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland, College Park.

WHY IT MATTERS
The news industry is currently undergoing unprecedented change: budget cuts, buyouts, medium shifts and shifting demographics. Journalists – particularly those covering social issue beats, communities and American families  – are struggling with fewer training opportunities and heavier workloads.

JCCF offers the instruction and information journalists need to tackle challenging and overlooked topics, including vetted sources, resources and story ideas. 

WHAT IT MEANS
When a newsroom closes or advertising dollars are down, it's not just a business issue. The shift in newsrooms has a ripple effect on at-risk and disadvantaged communities, as well as critical social issues across the nation. As those newsrooms get smaller, the coverage of our world gets smaller as well. No local paper may mean no coverage of important community issues. 

The Journalism Center is committed to making sure stories on the social issues that face our nation get told and get noticed.  Our resources and training ensure that journalists get the help they need. 

Learn more about the Journalism Center

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