Our History
For generations, strong local news was the bedrock of Colorado’s civic life, driven by the work of two journalistic heavyweights: The Denver Post and the Rocky Mountain News. This vibrant landscape created a foundation of information and accountability for communities across the state.
2009-2018
Facing Statewide Challenges
By the 2000s, that foundation was challenged by a shifting media industry, leading to two pivotal events. First, the closure of the Rocky Mountain News in 2009 silenced a 150-year-old institution. Then, a series of relentless, profit-driven cuts at The Denver Post culminated in a 2018 newsroom rebellion that drew national attention. The high-profile decline of Denver’s dailies was a clear signal of a statewide challenge, as more communities faced the loss of trusted local coverage.
2018
Turning Crisis Into Opportunity
This moment of crisis became a catalyst for opportunity. In the summer of 2018, a coalition of philanthropists, civic leaders, and journalists came together with a new vision, recognizing that the path forward required a fundamental shift from competition to collaboration. The Colorado Media Project was formed to serve as the “center of gravity” for this new, collaborative paradigm.
Today
Strengthening the Ecosystem
Since our founding, we have focused on strengthening the entire ecosystem. We have fueled the front lines with strategic grantmaking, helped launch critical shared infrastructure like the Colorado News Collaborative (COLab), and seeded innovation by supporting new models like The Colorado Sun and the historic acquisition of Colorado Community Media.
This comprehensive approach has become recognized nationally as a model for revitalizing local news. Today, as the home of Press Forward Colorado, we continue to lead and innovate, building a resilient, equitable, and sustainable public square for all Coloradans.