RWU Students Drive Civic Media Innovation with Communities of Hope

Through podcasts, investigative reporting, and community-driven storytelling, an interdisciplinary team of students are shaping the future of civic media while gaining real-world journalism experience.

By Jordan J. Phelan '19
Students capture powerful community stories through photography as part of the Communities of Hope Civic Media initiative.
Students capture powerful community stories through photography as part of the Communities of Hope Civic Media initiative.

BRISTOL, R.I. – After six months of preparation and production, Communities of Hope Civic Media (CoH) is launching an exciting slate of new programming designed to inform, engage, and support vulnerable communities. Featuring four new podcasts, a newsletter, and a range of resources for both residents and news outlets, CoH continues to be a driving force in civic media.

A program of the Department of Media, Design, and Communication’s journalism program, CoH partners with the Feinstein Center for Service Learning and Community Engagement to provide students with real-world journalism and civic media experiences. This year, 56 students from across all RWU schools have participated in CoH through coursework, internships, and work study opportunities that support local news organizations in providing essential information.

As part of the Rhode Island News Collaborative, CoH’s mission is rooted in providing students with hands-on opportunities to create meaningful, community-focused media. “Our students are not just learning about civic media, they are actively shaping it,” said Associate Professor of Journalism Bernardo Motta, who leads the program. “By working directly with communities and local news organizations, they gain critical experience that equips them with the skills and adaptability needed for career success.”

Hope Pod team members film a sous chef in the Intercultural Center's kitchen.
Hope Pod team members film a sous chef in the Intercultural Center's kitchen, bringing stories of food insecurity and community resilience to life in their magazine-style podcast on social justice issues in Rhode Island.

Many of these students, some in their first year, are sharing their work with the world for the first time. Here’s a look at the impactful work RWU students are producing:

  • Bridge to Engagement Newsletter: This student-led publication amplifies voices, fosters connections, and shares stories that inspire change. Covering topics such as queer rights, environmental justice, and immigration, the newsletter is a must-read for those invested in social change.
  • NEFAC Report Podcast: In partnership with the New England First Amendment Coalition, this podcast explores pressing First Amendment issues. The first episode features investigative journalist and RWU faculty member Tim White discussing encrypted police scanners and their impact on public access to information.
  • Queer on Campus Podcast: A deep dive into LGBTQIA+ issues affecting students and communities, featuring analysis from RWU third-year law student Samuel Filiaggi on how recent federal policies impact LGBTQIA+ rights.
  • Hope Pod: A magazine-style podcast tackling social justice issues in Rhode Island. Season one covered topics such as food insecurity and mental health, while season two will focus on incarceration systems and challenges faced by migrants and asylum seekers in the state.
  • Surrounded: A new investigative podcast series focused on environmental justice issues in the Washington Park neighborhood of Providence. This project is being produced with students in RWU’s Concepts in Communication course.

All of these productions are on the Communities of Hope website, where you can explore more student-driven work and show support by subscribing to any of the podcasts or newsletters. For those interested in collaborating with CoH, whether from RWU or the broader community, contact Professor Bernardo Motta at bmotta@rwu.edu.

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