VTDigger has for years worked with other Vermont news organizations to provide its journalism for a fee. Now, the statewide nonprofit intends to give it away to partnering weekly newspapers for free.
Starting in February, VTDigger will provide its news stories to participating weeklies with a circulation under 7,000. Such papers may elect to share their journalism with VTDigger, though doing so is not a prerequisite for taking part in the program.
VTDigger, a project of the Vermont Journalism Trust, Ltd., is making the policy change in order to support community news organizations hit hard by declining print revenues and the knock-on effects of Covid-19.
“Our goal at VTDigger has always been to provide the best journalism we can produce to as many Vermonters as possible. Sharing our reporting more broadly at no cost will further our nonprofit mission of informing and engaging our neighbors,” said Anne Galloway, founder of VTDigger and executive director of the Vermont Journalism Trust. “We also recognize the critical importance local news outlets play in this mission, and we want to do everything we can to support their service to readers.”
Newspapers that publish less frequently than weekly may also qualify. Those interested in participating in the program can sign up for more information here.
