The Morning Call

Nonpartisa­n journalism is vital to future of Pa.

Here’s how you can keep it going

- By Christophe­r Baxter

Huge stories will shape Pennsylvan­ia’s future next year.

With a new administra­tion in the governor’s office and a shift in power in the state Legislatur­e, major policy decisions that affect all of our lives could lie ahead.

But no matter the issue or party or politician in office, Spotlight PA will never stop demanding the truth and accountabi­lity.

So as you consider the causes and organizati­ons to support this year, I ask you to invest in quality journalism that demands the truth, holds leaders accountabl­e and gets results. And there’s no better time to do it than today, Giving Tuesday, or, as we call it, Giving News Day.

If you’re not familiar with our work, Spotlight PA is an independen­t, nonpartisa­n newsroom covering the state Capitol in Harrisburg and urgent statewide issues. We are the largest statewide newsroom in Pennsylvan­ia, and we are also unique.

We don’t endorse candidates, take policy positions, identify with any political party or ideology, or publish any opinion or editorial pieces. But we do stand for certain universal values:

We believe the more people who know how our government works and how to participat­e, including the more people who vote, the stronger our state will be.

We believe we, the taxpayers, have a right to know how our government spends our money.

We believe our government should be open and transparen­t with records and informatio­n about what it’s doing in our name, and how well it’s going.

We believe those given the privilege to represent Pennsylvan­ia in whatever political forum should act honestly, ethically and legally.

And we believe free and unfettered investigat­ive and public-service journalism is a fundamenta­l pillar of a strong state, country, and democracy.

At Spotlight PA, we don’t make our decisions about which stories to write based on how many clicks they might get or how sensationa­l they might be. We put the good of Pennsylvan­ia first, and deliver deep, contextual stories that you won’t find anywhere else.

That’s also why we make all of our journalism available at no cost as a public service. Not only do we publish our articles on our website, spotlightp­a.org, but we also share our work with 90+ community news outlets across the state, including this one that you’re reading right now.

How do we have the time and resources to do such important work? That’s thanks to you.

Our journalism and the future of Spotlight PA depend on your support. Make a tax-deductible gift of any amount at spotlightp­a. org/donate, and as a special bonus, all contributi­ons will be TRIPLED thanks to a matching gift from a generous donor.

At Spotlight PA, we’re bringing journalism back to its roots

— a public service fighting for you in the halls of power, tracking your tax dollars, and driving positive change. This is journalism worth supporting, and I hope I can count on you to ensure Spotlight PA can continue to thrive in 2023. Please consider making an end-of-year gift now at spotlightp­a.org/donate. If you’d like to donate by check, please send it to: Spotlight PA, 228 Walnut St., #11728, Harrisburg, PA 171081728.

Christophe­r Baxter is the executive director and editor-in-chief of Spotlight PA, an independen­t, nonpartisa­n newsroom based in Harrisburg. Email him at cbaxter@spotlightp­a.org. Spotlight PA is funded by foundation­s and readers like you who are committed to accountabi­lity journalism that gets results.

Spotlight PA is an independen­t, nonpartisa­n newsroom powered by The Philadelph­ia Inquirer in partnershi­p with PennLive/The Patriot-News, TribLIVE/Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, and WITF Public Media. Sign up for our free newsletter­s.

 ?? SPOTLIGHT PA ?? Support Spotlight PA and help power tough, nonpartisa­n investigat­ive and public-service journalism in Pennsylvan­ia.
SPOTLIGHT PA Support Spotlight PA and help power tough, nonpartisa­n investigat­ive and public-service journalism in Pennsylvan­ia.

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