Most news organizations have traditionally made money through advertising. This requires a sales team, often distracting ads and can create conflicts of interest around coverage of local businesses. Other news sites establish paywalls to require payment in exchange for access to critical information about community issues. I consider local journalism a vital public service that empowers citizens to take informed action toward making their cities and hometowns better.
So instead of creating barriers to information that can help address local issues or get people involved, I would like to try out a voluntary subscription or membership.
Subscriptions*
*In January of 2022, I started a full-time job with Crosscut and have paused subscription payments as I focus on that work.
If you cannot afford to contribute financially — that’s OK. Please check out some other ways to help. But if you support our mission and/or the idea of local accountability journalism, you can sign up for a $3 a month “Watcher” subscription here. I am using Patreon because it is considered reliable, low maintenance and transparent. You can see how much money comes in every month.
If you would really like to invest in independent local coverage, you can also become a “Citizen” supporter for $10 or more a month. These members will be listed below for recognition/transparency. I also hope to build out other aspects of this membership such as a newsletter, civic workshops or other benefits.
Become a Patron!
Both subscription levels now receive email updates when new stories get published. You will be added automatically. Please let me know if you have any issues with signing up for subscriptions or suggestions for how to bring members together around common goals.
Financial transparency:
Citizen-level members paying $10 or more a month will be listed here as a financial disclosure. I will also publish sources and totals for any additional support funding Whitman County Watch may receive in the future. Nothing else so far, but I will keep you posted.