Local journalism is in a tailspin.
The industry never figured out how to transition its advertising-based revenue model to the digital age, and the majority of those profits — which once made publishers kingmakers in cities like Long Beach — have been slurped up by tech companies that pay pennies for the same ads that once brought in thousands.
News publishers are in the red everywhere, and 2024 has been no exception.
But there is good news.
News outlets like ours are moving to a nonprofit model, one that relies as much on readers, philanthropists and foundations as businesses.
And the even better news: We have some pretty impressive company.
At least other two nonprofit news organizations operate in Long Beach: The 562 Sports and Long Beach Public Radio.
We were already familiar with the great work produced by Mike Guardabascio, JJ Fiddler, Tyler Hendrickson and others at 562 — you’ll see their stories on our site — but since our transition to a nonprofit nine months ago, we’ve become fast friends with Danny Lemos and others at KLBP; we’re even partnering with them on an exciting voter education program this fall.
All of three of us are participating in Long Beach Gives, the city’s largest annual fundraising event.
We’d love your support over the next few days, but please also consider a donation to these organizations. You’ll be helping journalists who believe in the power of information to transform, empower and catalyze change.
Long Beach Gives lasts just one week, so be sure to make your donations before midnight on Sept. 19, 2024.
Thank you so much for your continued generosity; we couldn’t do this without you!
Sincerely,
Melissa Evans, CEO
P.S. You can also help by forwarding this message to your friends, colleagues and neighbors!