Program

Spotlight PA’s roadmap to sustainable local news

A free virtual session from the Lenfest News Philanthropy Network

March 19, 2026

What does it actually take to build and sustain a high-impact newsroom?

Launched in 2019 by The Lenfest Institute, Spotlight PA was created to address the decline in statehouse reporting and government accountability. Since then, it has grown from a small startup into a statewide newsroom with more than 30 staff members, distributing reporting to over 125 media partners.

Its evolution, from collaborative launch to independent nonprofit supported by philanthropy, offers practical lessons in diversified fundraising, governance, and operating a successful “purple-state” newsroom.

Join us in this session as Spotlight PA shares their story, offering lessons learned to help news leaders and supporters understand the economics of independent journalism. 

This session will build upon the lessons shared in The Lenfest Institute’s Spotlight PA case study, which you can find here.

Read the full report Read the full report

Date: Thursday, April 9 

Time: 2 p.m. EDT/ 1 p.m. CDT / Noon MDT / 11 a.m. PDT

Presenters: 

• Caroline Porter, Ralstin Agency
• Rebecca Forman, Report Local, Home of Report for America & Report for the World
• Joanna Zuckerman Bernstein, Spotlight PA

Register for the free session Register for the free session