VIDEO ABOVE: Public Narrative is the steward of the Chicago Independent Media Alliance (CIMA), a collective of Chicago-based newsrooms, media outlets, and organizations committed to credible, community centered reporting.
Increasing Trust Between the Public and the Media Since 1989
From storytelling training and media engagement workshops to recognizing journalists, media makers, and community leaders.
Read our 2025 - 2026 Impact Report
Our work has informed and inspired scores of media makers and consumers to find their rightful place in American democracy. During 2025, it was a special honor to connect media and community. It is an honor to be a positive part of civic journalism, piloting projects and ideas that promise to elevate the curiosity and understanding of those impacted by our reach.
WE ARE PUBLIC NARRATIVE
Photo provided by Tafari Melisizwe for Public Narrative
Public Narrative has been elevating community voices in journalism for more than 35 years. Our programs and training support community and ethnic media outlets and for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, building meaningful relationships across Chicago, greater Illinois and beyond.
We Empower Communities Through Stories
OUR WORK
Our Narrative Work Starts With People
Whether it’s training communities on the ground, gathering voices through our programs and events, or establishing strong partnerships to make greater impact, Public Narrative has worked through the decades to focus on on what matters most–the people who shape our city through their voice and actions.
OUR AWARDS
We Honor the Courageous Storytellers
Every year, we honor new voices with fresh perspectives from communities as well as journalists who have worked tirelessly to uplift them.
OUR MEDIA GUIDES
We help guide the news ecosystem to produce news that matters.
Whether it’s training communities on the ground, gathering voices through our programs and events, or establishing strong partnerships to make greater impact, Public Narrative has worked through the decades to focus on what matters most–the people who shape our city through their voice and actions.