Local

Meet the group that supports Mahoning Valley journalists

By Staff report
Artificial intelligence expert Nikita Roy, host of the globally acclaimed Newsroom Robots podcast and a Knight Fellow at the International Center for Journalists, talked to Youngstown Press Club Thursday on “How AI Is Shaping the Media Landscape.”
Artificial intelligence expert Nikita Roy, host of the globally acclaimed Newsroom Robots podcast and a Knight Fellow at the International Center for Journalists, talked to Youngstown Press Club Thursday on “How AI Is Shaping the Media Landscape.” Chris Pugh/Mahoning Matters

The Youngstown Press Club exists to support journalists and communicators in the Mahoning Valley.

“We see our purpose as supporting journalists and communicators by providing them with networking and socializing opportunities, and learning opportunities through our speakers; educating the public about journalism and the media; investing in the future of journalism through our college scholarship program and other work with our student members; honoring the Valley’s rich history as a great news town through our Hall of Fame; and supporting press freedom and First Amendment issues,” said Diane Laney Fitzpatrick, who serves as Youngstown Press Club executive director.

The club was re-established in 2018 by Adam and Mary Beth Earnheardt, journalism professors at Youngstown State University, after about a 40-year gap from an earlier iteration of the club. The Youngstown Press Club currently has about 90 members and is governed by an eight-member board.

You can find more information about 2024 events here.

“This year we received funding from the Edward M. Barr Foundation for our speaker series, which has allowed us to bring in speakers of a national stature,” Fitzpatrick said.

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In collaboration with the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley, we've created the Mahoning Matters Journalism Impact Fund – an innovative and community-centered approach to funding local journalism. To make a one-time or monthly tax-deductible donation to the Mahoning Matters Journalism Impact Fund visit CFMV’s donation page.