Roger Williams University: RWU Students Drive Civic Media Innovation With Communities Of Hope

Press release from Roger Williams University:

By Jordan J. Phelan '19

March 20, 2025

BRISTOL, R.I. – After six months of preparation and production, Communities of Hope Civic Media (CoH) is launching an exciting slate of new programming designed to inform, engage, and support vulnerable communities. Featuring four new podcasts, a newsletter, and a range of resources for both residents and news outlets, CoH continues to be a driving force in civic media.

A program of the Department of Media, Design, and Communication’s journalism program, CoH partners with the Feinstein Center for Service Learning and Community Engagement to provide students with real-world journalism and civic media experiences. This year, 56 students from across all RWU schools have participated in CoH through coursework, internships, and work study opportunities that support local news organizations in providing essential information.

As part of the Rhode Island News Collaborative, CoH’s mission is rooted in providing students with hands-on opportunities to create meaningful, community-focused media. “Our students are not just learning about civic media, they are actively shaping it,” said Associate Professor of Journalism Bernardo Motta, who leads the program. “By working directly with communities and local news organizations, they gain critical experience that equips them with the skills and adaptability needed for career success.”

Many of these students, some in their first year, are sharing their work with the world for the first time. Here’s a look at the impactful work RWU students are producing:

All of these productions are on the Communities of Hope website, where you can explore more student-driven work and show support by subscribing to any of the podcasts or newsletters. For those interested in collaborating with CoH, whether from RWU or the broader community, contact Professor Bernardo Motta at bmotta@rwu.edu.

This press release was produced by the Roger Williams University. The views expressed here are the author’s own.