The digital revolution has fundamentally reshaped how media companies operate, requiring legacy institutions to look beyond the traditional revenue streams of advertising and subscriptions.
The Dispatch has invested in real estate over the past several decades, and those investments have helped us maintain a robust staff.
Across the country, a major evolution of print journalism funding is emerging – the embrace of philanthropy as a funding source.
Supporting newsgathering through grants and donors is not new. National Public Radio has relied on it for decades, for example.
Legacy print publications are increasingly adopting a hybrid model of both traditional (ads and subscriptions) and philanthropic funding. The Seattle Times and The Post and Courier in Charleston, South Carolina use philanthropy to underwrite high-impact reporting.
Even upstarts such as the online-only Daily Memphian sell subscriptions and ads, as well as solicit tax deductible donations. They have reportedly raised more than $20 million since their inception in 2018.
We believe it is in the interest of both independent journalism in the Golden Triangle and The Dispatch to chart a similar course.
We have taken the first step in that transition with the hiring of former city of Columbus grant writer Susan Wilder for the new position of Director of Development & Philanthropic Strategy. Her success in obtaining grants for the city and her enthusiasm for the projects she takes on make her an obvious choice for the position. She starts July 20.
We have also affiliated with the Community News Fund, which will act as our nonprofit fiscal agent, allowing us to solicit tax deductible donations to help support reporting on government accountability, to advocate for transparency and to amplify the voices of underserved communities.
Through the years, The Dispatch has been devoted to these types of reporting. We believe philanthropy fits well with our civic mission.
We still value our advertisers and subscribers as we welcome new sources of income to support our mission.
Our business model is diversifying, but our commitment to the Golden Triangle remains unchanged.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 31 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 31 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
