A new way to support local media in Philadelphia

Six Philadelphia independent news organizations have come together for a pilot campaign to encourage citizens to support journalism’s role in the region’s growth and vibrancy.

The Philadelphia Independent Media Coalition was convened by Technically Media, the digital news organization that publishes local tech news network Technical.ly and social impact site Generocity.org. In addition to these two sites, which recently launched individual membership programs, the coalition includes Hidden City, Philadelphia Public School Notebook, PhillyCAM and WURD Radio.

PIMC, which is the result of an experimentation grant from the Lenfest Institute, will run this inaugural campaign during the month of February 2018.

The campaign encourages existing supporters and others to share examples of important work from these independent media organizations using the #SupportPHLNews hashtag. Additionally, interested parties can visit PH.LY to choose one (or more) of these sites to support via paid individual memberships.

“As a passionate and proud Philadelphian, I believe that one of the most important features we need for a more vibrant, inclusive and smarter city is a varied landscape of independent local media,” said Christopher Wink, the publisher and CEO of Technically Media. “Just like the arts and social services, Philadelphia needs a journalism community that articulates its value collectively.”

The success of the campaign will be judged by its ability to encourage more individuals to support and follow the work of these niche and independent news communities. If the campaign is successful, the Philadelphia Independent Media Coalition may trial other efforts.