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Collaboration is one way nonprofit and community news outlets can gain strength and visibility. On Oct. 5 the independent St. Louis Beacon and St. Louis Public Radio announced their intention to form a journalism alliance.

According to a press release, a letter of intent forming the alliance has been signed by Margaret Wolf Freivogel (a founder and the editor of the St. Louis Beacon) and Tim Eby (St. Louis Public Radio general manager).

This non-binding agreement authorizes the two news outlets to "share expertise with each other and develop options for a formal arrangement."

How will the news outlets benefit? According to the release, "Expected benefits include increasing each organization's reach and regional news reporting capacity, as well as enhancing the long-term financial sustainability of both organizations."

So far it's unclear what form this alliance will take -- and whether it might also entail (in addition to journalistic collaboration) efforts such as cross promotion, joint grant-seeking, or sharing resources such as funding or marketing support.

For now, the news outlets will "begin exploring options for strengthening regional news reporting by using their individual assets in combination."

What's in it for St. Louis? According to the release, this alliance could help :

• Advance regional news reporting.
• Engage people throughout the region.
• Spark vibrant dialogue.
• Drive digital innovation.

The News and Tools for Digital Innovators blog is made possible by a grant to USC Annenberg from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.