The Bedford Citizen’s fundraiser, which includes a matching opportunity of up to $26,500 from NewsMatch – a foundation supporting non-profit news – Suzanne and Company, Instrumentation Laboratory, and a generous donor, will end on December 31.
But we’re not there yet – our goal is to meet or exceed that $26,500 limit so we can turn it into $53,000 which would enable The Citizen to continue expanded coverage and continue to bring you all the local news you need to know to stay informed and connected.
So we have to continue asking and pressing this important deadline. You know how awkward that is. At times, it’s tough to avoid that wheedling tone of voice especially when everyone is deluged with end-of-year requests from other worthy organizations. Please, pretty please!
So let’s focus on the other end of “please” – “thanks.” Sincere thanks if you have ever supported The Bedford Citizen, thank you if you are a regular donor, thank you if you are a sustainer, thank you if you are a sponsor, thank you if you are a contributor by writing or photographing or sending us news tips or Letters to the Editor. YOU are what is keeping local journalism alive and well for Bedford.
“Strong, effective local journalism is essential for the health of the wider media ecosystem and in ensuring that the information needs of smaller communities are met,” says Damian Radcliffe, Professor of Journalism at the University of Oregon and author of a 2017 study, Local Journalism: Why It Matters, How It’s Evolving, and Who Pays for It.
The PostBulletin of Rochester, Minnesota in a column titled Without Local Journalism, put it this way: “How would you find out what really happened at the city council….how long would it take you to figure out what candidates you want to vote for (and those you absolutely don’t want to vote for)…who would [write the stories] and shoot the photos of all the landmark events and interesting people in your hometown?”
We’re proud – and thankful – to aspire to be the best possible online news source for the town of Bedford. But no pretty please – just a simple truth: we can’t do it without you.
Please make your donation today by hitting the DONATE button below, or sending a check to The Bedford Citizen, PO Box 212, Bedford, MA 01730. The Bedford Citizen is a 501(c)3 corporation and all donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Ginni Spencer is a member of The Bedford Citizen’s Board of Directors and serves on the Editorial Committee
Loading ...
