2024 Impact Report
Your Investment at Work: Impact That Matters
Your belief in our mission is driving real, meaningful change, and we wanted you to know the impact you’ve helped create!
The 2024 Impact Report highlights how the support from our readers is transforming lives and communities.
By the Numbers: What You’ve Helped Fund
Local journalism thrived in 2024. Your support powered 3,325 stories, delivered nearly 65,000 newsletters, and connected with 1.35 million visitors who turned to us for trusted, independent news.
Readers spent 45,000+ hours engaging with their hometown coverage, while nearly 30 hosted news and community events turned our journalism into real-world conversations.
The proof of impact? More than 800 readers became paying members for greater access to local news, growing our community of supporters to over 2,400 strong.
The Revenue Pie
We know the path to a sustainable newsroom requires diversified revenue. Your support is an essential piece.
Notable Metrics
- 7 national grants awarded in support of our journalism
- 46 local organizations helped fund our work
71% of Editorial Payroll is funded through membership, local grants and local business funding.
Trust is Everything
Nearly 95% of readers trust our journalism
Compare this to trust in the national media, which sits at 31% according to Gallup.
Thank you for all you do to be informative on a variety of topics! I appreciate your positive nature in your reporting. Keeping organizations accountable by accurate reporting is another of your qualities.
2024 Reader Survey Participant
From Dollars to Real-World Impact
The support of our readers and donors for trusted, independent, local journalism helped us turn questions into answers – bringing you the important stories and information our community needed.
Partnering for Change
From flood mitigation in Shelby to the future of workforce to housing and beyond, our coverage asks the questions “who’s doing it better,” and “how can we do better too?
Coverage samples that sparked essential conversations…
Creating Space for Community Stories
By telling the untold stories of everyday people we celebrate one another and allow our community to get to know each other a little better.
Coverage samples that celebrate everyday people doing great things…
Measurable Impact Achieved
Our coverage helped raise money for local nonprofits, informed voters on essential issues, and held government accountable.
Coverage samples that created action and impact…
The Source is our most important source of local news! Thank you for your contributions to our community and making the democratic process work by keeping citizens informed.
susan Shafer
What’s in Store for 2025?
We will continue covering everyday people and stories, seeking solutions, and asking the important questions you want and need answered.
Our newsroom is also turning its’ attention to the complicated topic of ChildCare in the second half of the year, so stay tuned for more on that.
We can’t wait to see the continued impact in 2025!
Invest in your community. Help local journalism thrive.
TWO WAYS TO SUPPORT
1.
Individuals or organizations can contribute through a one-time or recurring tax-deductible donation. Donations under $500 include a complimentary Source Membership for one year, while $500 or more upgrades you to a Duo Membership for two. Your support helps keep independent journalism thriving.
2.
Businesses and organizations can support local journalism by becoming a Newsroom Partner. Benefits include company-wide memberships for you and key employees, advertising opportunities, and recognition in special reporting projects. It’s a powerful way to support journalism and boost your brand.