“Press Forward is first and foremost about reinvigorating the relationship between readers and news organizations—a crucial component of developing sustainable business models for journalism,” says Emma Gilchrist, editor-in-chief at The Narwhal and chair of Press Forward.

The idea for the organization grew out of a three-day gathering in 2019 of 45 individuals from media outlets, academia, foundations and non-profits. A steering committee was then tasked with creating an association. Journalists for Human Rights incubated the project, with a grant from the Trottier Family Foundation.

Press Forward will unify independent media organizations across Canada, advocate for the independent media, and develop professional development opportunities.