Report for America on 60 Minutes

Report for America corps members sit down with 60 Minutes correspondent Jon Wertheim for a discussion on local news. (Photo Aaron E. Tomlinson / 60 Minutes)

60 Minutes, television’s most-watched newsmagazine, looked at the crisis in local news and how hedge funds and other financial firms have swallowed up newspapers, closed newsrooms and slashed staff, Feb. 27, 2022.

The loss of local news poses a threat to democracy and Report for America was positioned as one answer to the crisis. The segment featured interviews with Steven Waldman, Report for America’s co-founder and president, and five of the nonprofit program’s current and former reporting corps members.

In addition to discussing how how hedge funds and other financial firms have crippled the news industry, Jon Wertheim spoke with Steve Waldman about the role government can play without compromising editorial independence.

Featured corps members

60 Minutes brought together five current and former corps members to discuss why local journalism matters—now, more than ever.

Get to know these journalists and see their on the ground reporting by clicking their photos.

Gracyn Doctor, WFAE
Chris Jones, formerly 100 Days in Appalchia
Amelia Knisely, Mountain State Spotlight
Dr. ChrisAnna Mink, formerly Modesto Bee
Camalot Todd, Spectrum News Buffalo

Hear more

Following the 60 Minutes broadcast, the corps members came together for a panel discussion to dive deeper into why local journalism is so vital. We also invited them to share their individual stories.

Get involved

There are multiple ways to get involved and support Report for America. We’ve outlined just a few ways below:

Are you interested in becoming a corps member or host newsroom partner? Please complete this form. A member of our recruitment team will contact you.