Documented launches a training program to help more newsrooms serve immigrant audiences

Documented, the nonprofit newsroom that covers New York’s immigrant communities, receives lots of requests to help newsrooms in other states and countries produce news with and for immigrants. The company sees that as an opportunity to spread its model, which includes publishing on platforms like WhatsApp, NextDoor, and WeChat. On Friday, it announced the first cohort of its new immigrant media training program, which is slated to run through 2028.

The six publishers — chosen from among 82 applicants across 22 states — will receive training over five months, and will each receive a $10,000 stipend to launch a project. They will also “participate in a final investment round to receive additional funding for product development.”

Documented will choose new publisher cohorts in 2027 and 2028. Funding comes from the Knight Foundation.

Here are the first six newsrooms participating:

Ethiopique is a local news and community platform serving Amharic-speaking immigrant communities in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Virginia. It focuses on clear, practical reporting about local government, housing, immigration, public safety, education, and daily life issues that directly affect immigrants. Beyond reporting, it brings people together through interviews, community events, and direct engagement. Henok Mengistu, the founder, and a multimedia reporter will join the training program. Project: Gamification of immigration news and the adoption of roads and other public spaces as means to build trust and bridges between immigrants and locals.

India Currents is an award-winning nonprofit news organization that tells Indian American stories exploring life in the United States. Founded in 1987, it is the oldest newsroom dedicated to covering America’s 5-million Indian diaspora — the fastest-growing Asian population in the country. It forges connections across generations, breaking down cultural silos and fostering civic engagement through dialogue, understanding, and collective action. Prachi Singh, the Audience Engagement Editor, and multimedia journalist Sobhan Hassanvand will represent India Currents. Project: Structured listening circles with Indian Americans in the San Francisco Bay Area.

KPBS is a public media station that has served San Diego communities for over 60 years, providing locally and nationally produced news, entertainment, educational, and lifestyle programming for all ages, as well as events and resources that help build a strong and vibrant community. KPBS has a proven record of connecting, reflecting, and serving immigrant communities through dialogue and community-driven journalism initiatives. Marielena Castellanos, the South Bay engagement producer, and ​​Amanda Ochoa, the grants and engagement Manager, will attend the training program. Project: WhatsApp communication channels for transborder immigrant communities in San Diego and Imperial cities.

Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) is an independent, nonprofit public media organization serving communities across Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. Powered by member support, OPB connects people through trusted regional journalism freely accessible to everyone. They develop initiatives that ensure the newsroom is representative of the communities they serve across all aspects of their work. Shayna Schlosberg, the OPB’s vice president of community connections, and Margaux Maxwell, the director of platform and product, will attend the training program. Project: TV/video/digital products for content co-creation with Latin immigrants in Oregon.

San Francisco Public Press is a nonprofit news organization focused on historically underserved communities, including Asian Americans. Its coverage areas include environmental protection, housing affordability, public health, transportation safety, homeless services, and immigration, among others. The newsroom defines itself as “conveners, bringing together diverse communities to listen, learn, and collaborate on ways to address problems and effect change.” Zhe Wu, an award-winning multilingual journalist serving the Asian American communities, Lila LaHood, the executive director, and Lisa Rudman, director of development and partnerships, will participate in the training program. Project: Comic strips and other visually compelling explainers in Chinese for immigration policies.

VozColectiva is a female community newsroom for women from Philadelphia’s Latin community, where they can share and amplify their voices on the issues that matter most to them. Launched in 2023, the newsroom has focused on covering domestic violence and promoting prevention strategies. VozColectiva produces a monthly YouTube program and collaborates with local organizations to create accessible, informative materials about available domestic violence resources. In 2023, the newsroom received the LION Publishers Award for Product of the Year, recognizing its innovative approach to community‑centered reporting. Evelyn Toriz, the community coordinator, and Zulma Guzmán, community reporter, will participate in the training program. Project: Pocket-sized brochures for domestic violence immigrant survivors with QR codes to news, guides, and resources in Philadelphia.