Baristanet/ Montclair Local

Montclair Local is an award-winning, independent nonprofit newsroom dedicated to serving the Montclair community with trusted, high-quality journalism. Founded in 2017, its mission is to inform objectively, spark meaningful dialogue, and help build a more connected and engaged community. Its reporting focuses on the issues that directly affect residents’ daily lives, including local government, education, business, and cultural developments, offering clear, in-depth coverage that provides context and accountability. Reporters are embedded in the community—attending public meetings, covering local events, and engaging directly with residents—to ensure that the stories reflect the voices and concerns of Montclair. This on-the-ground approach reinforces the newsroom’s commitment to accuracy, transparency, and trust. In 2021, Montclair Local transitioned to a nonprofit model, ensuring that its journalism remains free and accessible without paywalls or outside influence. Its 2023 merger with Baristanet, a long-established local digital outlet, expanded its reach and strengthened its editorial capacity, allowing for broader and deeper coverage. Today, Montclair Local operates as a community-powered newsroom, sustained by reader support and dedicated to delivering reliable journalism that informs residents and contributes to a thriving, well-connected Montclair.