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Focus Areas

Policy & Impact

Exploring how media and policy shape each other—and their impact on civic life, public discourse, and democracy.

The Shorenstein Center investigates how public interest media—ranging from journalism and documentary film to independent and emerging digital platforms—both shapes and is shaped by the policies governing our civic life. We study how reporting and storytelling influence public policy, civic participation, and the democratic process, while also analyzing how public and corporate policies, such as regulation, funding structures, and content moderation, impact what news and information gets produced and distributed. Through research, convenings, and collaboration with journalists, policymakers, and practitioners, we explore the interplay between media and policy, highlighting the crucial role each plays in shaping an informed and engaged society.

Publications & Resources

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Featured Event

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The Future of Federal Funding at Hispanic-Serving Institutions

The Future of Federal Funding at Hispanic-Serving Institutions

For decades, U.S. colleges and universities where at least 25% of undergrads are Hispanic have received federal grants to help them expand educational opportunities and improve graduation rates for Hispanic students. In September, however, the U.S. Department of Education slashed funding for these schools, formally designated as “Hispanic-serving institutions.” Meanwhile, a federal lawsuit making its way through the courts argues that distributing public money to higher education institutions based on their percentage of Hispanic students is discriminatory and violates the U.S. constitution. This free webinar focuses on the fate of hundreds of public and private colleges and universities, which, together, serve most of the nation’s Hispanic undergraduate students.

Virtual

Zoom webinar
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

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Building Knowledge

The Shorenstein Center researches media, audience, and influence through a range of lenses and disciplines.

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