Jerry L Mennenga for the Flatwater Free Press
Text Rural
simple. personalized. local.
Sign up to receive a weekly text message news digest with a roundup of rural news stories from more than 80 newsrooms nationwide.
Knowing what’s going on where you live shouldn’t be complex, overwhelming, or difficult. Text RURAL is your personalized local news companion — delivering in-depth reporting to your phone every Friday.
Text RURAL is crafted for folks living in (or curious about) remote areas, making sure you stay connected and informed about what matters most to your community. 🌾📰
The Rural News Network is the largest collection of rural-focused newsrooms and reporters in America. RNN newsrooms produce nearly 5,000 stories a month–most of which would otherwise go untold. Our mission is to broaden the reach of rural-relevant reporting. One way we’re doing that is by making our members’ stories more accessible via text messaging.
This SMS-based news service curates stories from dozens of non-profit, local newsrooms to connect rural residents with the best journalism based on where you live and the topics you care about.
WHY TEXT RURAL?
Even if you’re in an area with limited internet access, or with no trusted source for local news, Text RURAL is your go-to solution for receiving trusted, localized news directly on your phone every week.
Breaking Down Barriers
Text RURAL is powered by the Rural News Network, a group of more than 75 independent newsrooms that are members of the Institute for Nonprofit News. By connecting you with in-depth, relevant news you can trust, we are helping our members deliver on their mission to inform and engage their communities.
A Two-Way Street
Not only will you get a selection of in-depth news sent right to your phone every week, but you’ll also be able to ask questions and share your perspectives with a newsroom that values your input.
Simple, Personalized, and Local
Our innovative SMS hub takes the complexity out of news consumption. We aggregate and summarize nonprofit newsroom content and also tailor it to your interests and location, delivering a personalized local news digest straight to your phone every Friday. It’s like texting a smart, informed friend.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How does Text Rural protect my privacy?
Your privacy is our priority. We adhere to the highest standards of data security. We won’t sell or share your information with third parties. For more details, please review our privacy policy.
How is the news summarized for Text Rural?
We partner with Nota to summarize articles using AI. This ensures you receive concise, informative updates tailored to your interests without sacrificing accuracy or depth.
What is the Institute for Nonprofit News (INN)?
The Institute for Nonprofit News strengthens and supports more than 425 independent news organizations in a new kind of news network: nonprofit, nonpartisan and dedicated to public service. From local news to in-depth reporting on pressing global issues, members of the INN Network tell stories that otherwise would go untold – connecting communities, holding the powerful accountable and strengthening democracy. INN programs help these news organizations develop revenue and business models to support strong reporting, collaborate on editorial and business innovation, share services and advance the diverse leaders who are forging a new future for news.
Tell me more about the Rural News Network
The Rural News Network (RNN) is INN’s initiative to bridge the information gap in rural areas. By connecting rural residents with high-quality, localized news, RNN empowers communities and strengthens the impact of nonprofit newsrooms.
hOW DOES Text Rural address news deserts in rural America?
Data reveal a concerning rise in news deserts—areas lacking reliable news sources. Text Rural is one way INN is helping ensure every community has access to trustworthy news.
Made Possible With Generous Support
Text RURAL is made possible by the Google News Initiative (GNI) and the MacArthur Foundation. They share our mission of ensuring everyone in every community has access to trusted news.
