Marisa Porto is a journalism leader, educator, and strategist focused on the future of local media, democracy, innovation, and technology.
As Knight Chair in Local News and Sustainability and director of the Center for Local Media at UNC-Chapel Hill, she helps organizations navigate transformation, embrace innovation, and strengthen their role in civic life.
Journalism Initiatives
International
Press Freedom & Democracy: Advising journalists and media organizations as they navigate risks to democratic institutions.
Global Media Innovation: Helping organizations strengthen leadership, embrace emerging technologies, and build strategies for change.
National
Journalism Innovation: Speaking, research, and collaboration on AI, entrepreneurship, and the future of local journalism
Leadership & Organizational Change: Helping organizations strengthen leadership, navigate change, and build resilient cultures.
North Carolina
Strengthening Local Media: Leadership initiatives through UNC-Chapel Hill, the Hussman School of Journalism and Media, and the Center for Local Media.
Educating Media Professionals: Mentorship and educational programs preparing future journalists and media leaders.
“Her business acumen is proven and has translated into improving the financial health of the news organizations she’s led. Her keen analytical mind has enabled her to identify and employ strategies to keep organizations relevant and competitive.”
— Leon Tucker, Director of Talent Development, Gannett
Director: Center for Local Media
Marisa is leading efforts to strengthen local news organizations and prepare journalists, educators, and future media leaders to navigate a rapidly evolving media landscape.
The Center’s work focuses on:
Innovation and entrepreneurship
Technology and AI
Civic information and democracy
The future of local media
Contact Marisa
Interested in having Marisa speak at your event or organization? She welcomes opportunities to engage audiences on the future of local journalism, artificial intelligence, press freedom, democracy, leadership, and navigating change.
