The Triton’s Call, the University of Guam’s student-led news publication, has been awarded $50,000 by Press Forward, the nationwide movement to strengthen communities by reinvigorating local news. The student publication was selected out of more than 900 applicants across the U.S. to receive funding, aimed at bolstering operations and expanding its editorial capacity. This photo is part of a recent photo essay titled, “Where the Ocean Meets” by Triton’s Call student reporter Keana Ardiente who captures the beauty and diversity of UOG’s student community, with a focus on Indigenous Pacific Islander students from Guam and the broader region. (Photo courtesy of The Triton’s Call/Keana Ardiente).

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“The Triton’s Call plays a vital role in Guam’s media ecosystem by elevating student voices and addressing underreported issues in the local community,” said Manuel Lujan Cruz, publisher of the student publication and assistant professor of UOG’s Communication and Media program. “This funding from Press Forward allows us to enhance our reporting and serve as a platform for impactful journalism.”

Like many communities nationwide, Guam has seen a decline in local newsrooms, leading to limited coverage of critical issues in the Marianas and the wider region. This decline mirrors a broader trend in the U.S. where financial challenges have led to the closure of thousands of local papers, creating “news deserts” with reduced local news coverage. The Triton’s Call steps in to fill this gap by focusing on student-centered and island-based stories, ensuring important perspectives are heard.

A Vision for the Future

This grant will empower The Triton’s Call to fund a paid editorial team of current UOG students and recent graduates to produce investigative, thought-provoking stories year-round by our island’s future leaders in print and audiovisual formats. The funding will also support community engagement through workshops, collaborations with local schools, and journalism projects that reflect the experiences of Guam’s diverse student body.
 
“Our goal is to build deeper connections with the community while training the next generation of journalists,” Cruz said. “This grant will help us to continue delivering quality journalism and inspiring meaningful dialogue.”

About The Triton's Call

The Triton’s Call was established in 1965 as a student newspaper. It now operates as a digital- first newsletter on Substack featuring content created by students of the Communication & Media program and the larger student community. We are committed to providing a platform for student perspectives and focusing on issues that impact the island community. For more information, visit the Triton’s Call on Substack and follow on Instagram @tritonscalluog.

About Press Forward

Press Forward is supporting small, local newsrooms in every state and territory with $20 million in this inaugural round of funding to close persistent coverage gaps. These newsrooms produce essential stories that help communities stay informed and make important decisions about their daily lives. Learn more about Press Forward at pressforward.news.