Civicstory

CivicStory is a New Jersey–based nonprofit media organization dedicated to exploring the intersection of civics, sustainability, and community life through multimedia journalism. Founded in 2009 as NJ Arts News by Susan Haig, it originally aimed to address gaps in television coverage of arts and cultural activity. Over time, its mission expanded, and in 2015 it rebranded as CivicStory to reflect a broader focus on civic engagement, environmental sustainability, and creative growth in urban communities. The organization produces a wide range of video and editorial content covering topics such as ecology, civics education, humanities, and the arts. Its work has been distributed through major regional outlets, including NJTV (now NJ Spotlight News), WHYY, and WBGO, extending its reach across New Jersey and beyond. CivicStory has also convened public forums examining the evolving role of journalism in democracy and its relationship to environmental issues. A central pillar of its work is the NJ Sustainability Reporting Hub, launched in 2019, which supports collaborative reporting through fellowships and partnerships with local newsrooms. By training journalists and co-publishing stories, CivicStory strengthens coverage of environmental and civic issues. Today, it continues to evolve as a collaborative, mission-driven media organization advancing public understanding and engagement.