Center for the Future of Arizona Launches the Arizona Media Institute

Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA) today announced the Arizona Media Institute, a first-of-its-kind statewide resource created to support journalism in Arizona and ensure that media have useful data and tools needed to support fact-based journalism on issues that matter most to Arizonans.

The Arizona Media Institute is anchored by a new online hub that makes it easier than ever for journalists to access trusted, localized data and insights into the issues Arizonans care about most. More than a website, the Media Institute is a living, evolving support system and shared infrastructure for Arizona’s newsrooms. It equips journalists with data-driven tools, a growing directory of independent local subject-matter experts, and programming designed to help them report on Arizona’s most complex and fast-changing issues with depth and public relevance. All offerings are provided at no cost to users.

The Arizona Media Institute was made possible through the visionary support of Don Budinger, a founding supporter of CFA and champion of The Arizona We Want, who invested in the development of this initiative to strengthen independent journalism and support greater public trust in media.

“State and local media are cornerstones of informed communities and meaningful public dialogue,” said Don Budinger, Founding Director and Chair of the Rodel Foundation. “At the same time, the relationship between media and the public is at a historic low. That must change if Arizonans are to build the future we want. The Arizona Media Institute supports how the media transforms the way it engages people, leads informed dialogue, and reconnects with communities — and ultimately, how people engage in shaping Arizona’s future amid concerning levels of public trust.”

A Free, Nonpartisan Resource Built for Arizona’s Media
The Arizona Media Institute aligns with CFA’s mission to bring Arizonans together to create a stronger and brighter future for the state. The effort builds on The Arizona We Want, a data-informed vision of success reflecting the shared priorities of Arizonans.

“The Arizona Media Institute is a new initiative that builds on CFA’s more than 20-year commitment to empowering leaders and advancing the priorities of Arizonans,” said Dr. Sybil Francis, Chair, President & CEO of CFA. “Strong, independent, and trusted media are essential to a thriving democracy. By formalizing our support for Arizona media, we aim to strengthen reporting, elevate public discourse, and foster the shared understanding needed to achieve The Arizona We Want. We know that trusted data helps decision-makers and journalists respond more effectively to the public’s priorities. This work makes that data easier to access and use in real time, while also creating the connective tissue between people, experts, and newsrooms that’s vital to building trust and civic life.”

The Arizona Media Institute is already being used by reporters across the state, following a launch to newsrooms in January. Prior to launch, more than 100 reporters and newsroom leaders contributed to its design through surveys, user testing, and direct feedback.

What the Arizona Media Institute Offers
The Media Institute’s current offerings include:

• A searchable data desk with public opinion and performance data on key issues: education, jobs, housing, immigration, civic health, and more
• Localized explainers and backgrounders to support high-quality reporting
• Live and recorded informational sessions and briefings on timely topics
• A growing directory of independent subject-matter experts — voluntarily participating professionals with experience across the state
• On-call support for data and reporting questions
• Collaborative programming in partnership with media organizations

A Timely Response to a Changing Media Landscape
The Arizona Media Institute arrives at a pivotal time, as news organizations across Arizona face shrinking resources, rapid technological change, and growing political polarization. CFA brings unique value to this space through its trusted survey research, Arizona Progress Meters, and long-standing experience as a convener of data-informed, collaborative action.

Building on the vital work of other initiatives in Arizona that focus on newsroom staffing or funding, the Arizona Media Institute complements these efforts by providing reliable, accessible tools and issue context to strengthen public-interest reporting.

The Media Institute also plays a connective role in Arizona’s broader media support ecosystem. It works with partners like the Arizona Media Association and Arizona Local News Foundation, supporting statewide reporting initiatives.

Looking Ahead: Built to Grow, Evolve, and Meet Emerging Needs
The launch of the Institute represents a bold and strategic first step, and it is intentionally just the beginning. Its tools and offerings are designed to grow over time through ongoing engagement, feedback, and collaboration with the journalists it serves.

“We’ve started with a strong foundation that meets pressing newsroom needs,” said Dr. Francis. “It’s not static. This model is built to grow, innovate, and evolve, whether through expanded expert access, new data sources, stronger analytics features, or more partnerships. That continuous learning and responsiveness is a core feature of our commitment to this work.”

Learn more at azmediainstitute.org.

About the Arizona Media Institute
The Arizona Media Institute is a statewide initiative of Center for the Future of Arizona that equips local journalists with trusted data, context, and support to inform stronger reporting and reconnect with the communities they serve. It exists to strengthen journalism’s civic role, help rebuild trust in the media, reflect what matters to Arizonans, and help advance The Arizona We Want. All offerings are free, nonpartisan, and available to newsrooms and journalists across the state. Learn more at azmediainstitute.org.