Asbury Park Reporter

The Asbury Park Reporter is a digital newsroom founded by the Asbury Park Media Collective (APMC), a group of seasoned journalists, civic leaders, and media advocates with deep ties to the city. Its mission is to identify, train, and mentor emerging community reporters, equipping them to document news, public events, and policies that shape Asbury Park. By fostering a new generation of storytellers, the platform emphasizes the principle that who tells the story is as critical as what the story is, ensuring that reporting reflects the lived experiences of diverse local communities. The newsroom produces a range of content, including news articles, podcasts, videos, documentary shorts, and social media posts, disseminated both through its website and local media partners. Its reporting prioritizes voices traditionally underrepresented in media—Black and Haitian communities, Spanish-speaking residents, LGBTQIA individuals, youth, elderly, differently-abled residents, and long-term community members. With contributions from an impressive team of writers and columnists, including BiBi Bennett, Kerry Margaret Butch, Maureen Nevin, and others, the Asbury Park Reporter blends professional journalism with grassroots storytelling. Its work strengthens civic engagement, spotlights cultural and social issues, and serves as a training ground for journalists committed to equitable, community-centered reporting.