New York City has a rich network of community news outlets that span print, television, and radio. Over 4.1 million New Yorkers rely on these local publications for news about their neighborhood, a specific community or interest group, or local, national, and international news coverage in a language other than English. Approximately 271 outlets comprise this sector, including 134 that are published in 35 languages and English and serve the City’s 3.8 million immigrant residents, among them 1.8 million who speak little or no English.

Approximately 271 outlets comprise this sector, including 134 that are published in 35 languages and English and serve the City’s 3.8 million immigrant residents, among them 1.8 million who speak little or no English. This initiative was launched to level the playing field for all journalists when accessing information from City government and help overcome communication barriers posed by language, culture or an outlet’s limited resources. Outreach strategies and media resources are set in place to assist current and future communications staff, Council-wide, to connect and engage with this diverse media sector and bring government information to all New Yorkers. It creates a foundation to make diverse media outreach a standard at the Council. The Community Media Initiative is the first in the country created by a City Council and serves as a model for cities that face the challenge of informing a diverse resident population.