We’re so happy to share that NJ21st has been accepted as a member of LION Publishers.

LION is dedicated to bringing local journalism back and reversing the rise of news deserts by helping independent publishers build sustainable news organizations. Their board includes respected leaders from across the journalism and media landscape, and their vetting process is rigorous—making this a particularly meaningful milestone for us.

It’s a proud moment, and a final vindication of the work we’ve poured into NJ21st over the past four years.

We want to thank our neighbors in Berkeley Heights, New Providence, Warren and other communities who stood by us and our mission: to inform the community and challenge power. We know it wasn’t always easy. Supporting us came with real risks and consequences. We are deeply grateful for all your support. This moment belongs to you, too.

Over the next year, we hope to develop a business plan that will allow us to secure funding as a non-profit, expand our reporting into other news deserts in the 21st District and at the county level, and eventually pay people to do this work in other communities.

Now more than ever, we need people across the 21st District to help hold local governments accountable and contribute fact-based, in-depth reporting—offering OUR communities more than just government-sponsored talking points.

Students interested in journalism are also encouraged to contribute content– especially on school issues.

Eventually, we hope to offer compensation—but for now, this will remain a labor of love and civic commitment.

John, Laura and Shauna

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