Guide

Connecting with local creator-model journalists

A guide to outreach from the Creator Journalism Trust and Credibility Toolkit

October 28, 2025

This resource is part of the Creator Journalism Trust and Credibility Toolkit from the Knight Communities Network, Project C, and Trusting News, which helps funders identify — and fund — creator journalists in their local ecosystem. Find more information here, or reach out to Project C and Trusting News.  

Why outreach matters

Once you’ve identified local creator-model journalists in your community, the next step is to reach out to them. Unlike legacy newsrooms, many creators operate as small teams or solo ventures – they may not have a traditional “contact us” page. That means you’ll often need to reach out in less formal ways, including direct messages (DMs) on social platforms.

The goal of outreach is simple:

• Introduce yourself as a local or regional funder. 
• Show interest in their work and their role in the local information ecosystem.
• Open the door to a deeper conversation — ideally moving into an email exchange or a call where you can ask questions and share opportunities.

Starting points for outreach

1. Direct messages (DMs)

For many creators, DMs are the first and sometimes only way to connect. Keep messages short, respectful and to the point.

📄 Template (Instagram / Twitter/X / TikTok / LinkedIn):

Hi [Name], I’m [Your Name] from Press Forward’s [City] chapter. We’re working to support local independent journalists and creators, and I’d love to learn more about your work at [Brand/Project]. Would you be open to a short call or email exchange? We’re reaching out to understand how best we can support creators like you in [City].

 2. Real-life introductions

If you meet a creator at an event, community space, or even informally, a warm, in-person approach works best.

📄 Approach Script:

“Hi, I’m [Name]. I help lead Press Forward’s local work in [City]. We’re building partnerships with journalists and creators who are strengthening our local news ecosystem. I’d love to hear about your project and follow up with you. Could I grab your contact info (email or handle) so we can set up a time to talk more?”

3. Email outreach

If the creator does share an email, or if you can find one, use it for a fuller introduction. Emails can explain Press Forward in more depth and set up a proper meeting.

📤 Template:

Subject line options:

• “Connecting on local news: [City] + Press Forward”
• “Opportunities for local journalism creators in [City]”

Hi [Name],

I’m [Your Name], working with Press Forward’s [City] chapter. We’re reaching out to connect with local journalists and creators who are helping strengthen the news and information ecosystem here.

We’d love to learn more about your work at [Brand/Project]: your mission, how you’re structured (for-profit or nonprofit), your audience, and what kinds of support or funding would be most valuable.

Could we set up a short call in the next couple of weeks? We’d be glad to share more about Press Forward and the opportunities we’re creating for local journalism in [City].

Warmly,

[Name]

[Press Forward – City Chapter]

Moving toward the conversation

The DM, in-person hello, or initial email should all lead to the same next step: a structured call or email exchange where you can learn key details about the creator, such as:

• Structure: for-profit, nonprofit, or other
• Mission and audience
• Current funding/revenue model
• Needs and opportunities for support
• Standards or practices they use for trust, ethics, and transparency

This information will help Press Forward chapters understand where creators fit in the ecosystem and how funding might best support them. We also compiled a checklist for considerations funders should be mindful of when creating written agreements with news creators.

Funder considerations for agreements with creator-model journalists Funder considerations for agreements with creator-model journalists

Note: This guide pairs with the finding local journalism creators resource. Use both together: first find them, then connect with them – in the way they’re most reachable.