New Mexico News Summit 2026, Focused on Local News in a Digital World
Karla Campos 
Summit 2026: Local News in a Digital World — March 20–21 at UNM Continuing Education Conference Center.
New Mexico News Summit 2026 Focused on Local News in a Digital World
Albuquerque, NM — March 2026 — The New Mexico Local News Fund announced that its annual statewide gathering, the New Mexico News Summit 2026, will take place on March 20–21 at the UNM Continuing Education Conference Center. This year’s theme, “Local News in a Digital World: Navigating the New Information Era,” reflects the rapidly evolving landscape facing journalists, newsrooms, and communities across the state.
The two‑day summit brings together reporters, editors, publishers, technologists, educators, students, and community leaders to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping local news in an era defined by digital transformation, AI‑driven tools, and shifting audience behaviors.
“Local news is essential to strong communities, but the tools, expectations, and information systems around us are changing faster than ever,” said organizers from the New Mexico Local News Fund. “This summit is designed to help newsrooms adapt, innovate, and build sustainable models that serve New Mexicans today and in the future.”
A Focus on Innovation, Access, and Community
This year’s programming highlights several core areas:
AI and emerging technologies in journalism
Sessions will explore how artificial intelligence, automation, and digital tools can support reporting, strengthen workflows, and improve access to trustworthy information, while also addressing misinformation and ethical concerns.
Bilingual and community‑centered storytelling
With New Mexico’s rich linguistic and cultural diversity, the summit emphasizes inclusive reporting practices and strategies for reaching multilingual audiences.
Sustainability and newsroom resilience
Panels will examine funding models, collaborative reporting, and community partnerships that help local news thrive in rural and urban areas alike.
Digital skills for modern newsrooms
Workshops will offer hands‑on training in audience engagement, data journalism, multimedia storytelling, and platform‑specific strategies.
A Statewide Effort to Strengthen Local News
The New Mexico News Summit has become a cornerstone event for journalists across the state, offering a rare opportunity for cross‑newsroom collaboration and shared learning. Attendees include representatives from legacy newspapers, digital startups, public media, student publications, and independent outlets.
The 2026 summit continues the Fund’s mission to support a vibrant, equitable information ecosystem, one where communities have access to reliable, culturally relevant news and where journalists have the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing media environment.
Event Details
New Mexico News Summit 2026
March 20–21, 2026
UNM Continuing Education Conference Center
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Tickets and additional program details are available through The New Mexico Local News Fund Summit.
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