Free Press, Free Country
- Kyle Clark of 9News hosts a town hall featuring the Truth Be Told documentary. (Photo credit: Paul Trantow)
Bringing people and information together
Free Press, Free Country celebrates the people and principles that keep local news strong in Colorado.
It brings together a documentary, short videos and community events that connect Coloradans to the trusted information they rely on.
Coordinated by COLab, this statewide effort partners with local news outlets and is powered by MATCH Lab — Media, Academia and Talent Collaborating to Help — pairing students, mentors and newsroom teams to make engagement real and lasting.
"Truth Be Told" Documentary
See how local information gets made.
“Truth Be Told” follows Colorado reporters and editors as they navigate the challenges of serving their communities in a changing media landscape.
The film offers an inside look at how facts are verified, choices are weighed and stories are told with care — reminding us that trustworthy local information isn’t a luxury, it’s a public good.
🗓️ Screenings across Colorado pair the film with community conversations and practical ways to act — from suggesting coverage ideas to helping your local newsroom reach new audiences.
Watch the trailer:
“A Matter of Fact” Short Videos
Quick hits of the First Amendment.
These short, shareable stories show why free expression and a free press matter — regardless of politics.
Each of the 12 videos explores a different aspect of the First Amendment — from free speech and press freedom to bias, offensive language and the responsibilities that come with expression.
These bite-sized pieces are built for sharing by outlets, libraries, schools and community groups.
Community Engagement Events
Turning conversation into connection.
In 2026, 17 local news outlets in ten Colorado towns — Alamosa, Aurora, Breckenridge, Carbondale, Colorado Springs, Denver, Durango, Estes Park, Nederland and Salida — will host Free Press, Free Country events.
Each gathering will:
- Show how local news is created and why it matters.
- Invite residents to share the issues and stories shaping their community.
- Offer easy ways to stay involved — from contributing photos to hosting future events.
MATCH Lab students co-design these gatherings, creating toolkits, sign-up systems and social templates that make newsroom participation simple and sustainable.
Get Involved
Join a conversation near you. Be part of what's next.
Upcoming Screenings
Screenings and events are being scheduled now.
Check back soon for dates and locations — or sign up to receive updates.
Bring an event to your town
COLab welcomes co-hosts, sponsors and volunteers. Contact us to learn more or request the host toolkit.
Campaign Partners
Fast Forward Films • University of Denver MATCH Lab • Local COLab partner news outlets across Colorado • Community co-hosts and sponsors
Thank you
We’re a nonprofit and a tiny one at that. We could not do this work without your support. Thank you to our donors.
Together, we are seeking to put the communities we serve first.