New York Law School, located in Tribeca.
Photo by Sky Tech One
New York Law School (NYLS) announced the new New York Independent Journalism Project, part of the school’s Center for New York City and State Law.
The project, which launched on March 12 at the Tribeca-based school, is designed to support independent and traditional journalism as a vital civic good. It aims to deepen public understanding of New York City and state government law and polic by working to ensure the sustainability of independent reporting and critical analysis of public affairs.
Through discussions, workshops and forums, the project brings together journalists to examine New York City and state governance, public affairs and the role of journalism in civic life, while offering space and infrastructure for collaboration, idea-sharing, and the development of best practices that promote civic engagement. Organizers say it will also support the publication of reporting, analysis, podcasts, books, policy papers and other journalistic products
The project is managed by Ben Max, executive editor and program director of the Center for New York City and State Law, who also serves as journalist-in-residence and adjunct professor at NYLS.
“It is a way for our law school and Center for New York City and State Law to lend some expertise and some institutional infrastructure to journalists and groups of journalists trying to add to the civic dialogue and examination of public policy and law,” he said. And, just contribute to the larger picture of civic affairs in the city.”
Even though NYC has a robust press corps, there are still challenges to sustaining local journalism, Max, who is also the host of the Max Politics podcast, added.
“There continues to be a need for efforts to support journalists who are focused on NYC public affairs,” he said.
For example, if a journalist or a group of reporters wants to collaborate on issues related to the NYC charter, they can meet at the school and use its resources.
“We could lend some infrastructure support and legal expertise, given we are a law school with a lot of people with government backgrounds,” he said.
Anthony Crowell, dean and president, and director of the Center for New York City and State Law, said the project is part of the school’s commitment to supporting public service through civic engagement and understanding.
“Our 135-year history of strengthening civic life means we have a responsibility to ensure more New Yorkers have access to substantive information about state and local law, policy, and governance,” he said. “Establishing the Independent Journalism Project and supporting journalists in New York is central to that mission, and we know that access to trustworthy, independent information is essential to self-government.”
More information is available at nyls.edu.