A few months ago, one of our longtime readers called us with a remarkable idea. He told us how much he valued the work our newsroom does, from stories about new businesses opening and closing to local elections and the everyday goings on that knit a community together. He said that each week, our reporting helped him feel more rooted, more aware, and more connected to his neighbors. And then he asked a simple question: “How can I share this with the people on my block?”
That question turned into one of our favorite stories of the year. He purchased gift subscriptions for every household on his street, a full block of new readers who now have access to the same indispensable coverage he relies on. It was a generous act, but it was also a testament to what community journalism does best: it brings people together through shared knowledge, accountability, and pride in where we live.
Our newsroom thrives because of people like our longtime reader and because of the talented team of staff and volunteers who make it all possible. Our staff reports tirelessly on the issues that matter most, from what is happening at city hall to the stories unfolding in our schools and neighborhoods. And our volunteers, many of them working professionals with full schedules, give their time and energy to help strengthen this vital public service.
Every story we publish, every election guide we produce, and every question we answer is made possible by the people who believe and invest in our mission. To our staff, our board, our volunteers, our readers, subscribers, and donors, thank you. We do this work for you and with you–we truly could not do it without you. Together, we are not just preserving local journalism. We are ensuring that our community continues to have a voice, a heartbeat, and a trusted source of truth.
Growing Community Media
Growing Community Media is the reader supported newsroom behind four great local news publications covering our neighborhoods and villages. We publish the Austin Weekly News, Wednesday Journal of Oak Park & River Forest, Forest Park Review and Riverside-Brookfield Landmark. Day in and day out we provide authentic, boots-on-the-ground, fact-based reporting about people and places you know and value. We hold our public officials and institutions accountable and help our communities stay connected and informed. Your gift to Growing Community Media is an investment in making your neighborhood a stronger and better place to live.
Donate for news that matters to you at growingcommunitymedia.org/donate