Journalism is essential

 

Dear friend of Poynter,

The stories told of 2020 — in all its pain, passion and poignancy — have taken our breath away. From the horrific toll of the coronavirus to the killing of George Floyd to the intensity surrounding the presidential election, we have endured unprecedented turmoil. 

What. A. Year.

Throughout, journalists have chronicled events, demanded answers and brought us information vital to our daily lives. You’ve seen them act with heart and courage. You’ve seen them put themselves at risk because they believe — as you do — that journalism is not optional for democracy to work. It is essential. 

And just as the work of journalism is essential, so is Poynter’s role in supporting it. Poynter fights misinformation and improves the quality of journalism — for those who produce and consume it.

On this Giving Tuesday, we turn to you — our loyal newsletter subscribers — to support Poynter’s nonprofit newsroom by making a donation today.

I SUPPORT POYNTER’S WORK

Throughout 2020, you’ve counted on Poynter’s newsletters to stay current in the industry. From Tom Jones’ must-read analysis for everyone who cares about the media, The Poynter Report, to timely story tips from Al Tompkins’ Covering COVID-19 — Poynter’s nonprofit newsroom brought you the information you need to navigate the year. 

Perhaps you’ve been inspired by the stories of women leaders who challenged the status quo in journalism when reading Mel Grau in The Cohort. Or, you’ve followed our resident local news expert, Kristen Hare, as she chronicled the power and peril of local news during the pandemic. This year alone, we’ve lost an alarming 7,000 journalism jobs. Sixty-six newsrooms have closed. Advertising revenue is down 42%. And now there are 200 counties across America without a local newspaper. 

And yet, in this time of isolation, confusion and misinformation — we are all reaching for news and information we can trust. As a newsletter subscriber, you’ve placed your trust in us.

MAKE A DONATION

Thank you for subscribing. Thank you for turning to Poynter as your journalism partner. And thank you for making a gift to Poynter today to ensure that our important work can continue to serve you in the new year ahead.

Happy holidays,

 

 

Neil Brown
President
The Poynter Institute