The Durango Herald has embarked on a new program to raise money for sustained news coverage of the coronavirus pandemic, during one of the most abrupt economic slowdowns in American history.
In addition to Ballantine Communications Inc.’s participation in the federal Payment Protection Program, Ballantine Communications is participating in the Local Media Association’s COVID-19 Local News Fund program, which currently serves about 3,000 newspapers, television and radio stations, and other news outlets. The program is open to any independent or family-owned news organization in North America and was started to help fill a gap in advertising revenue, which helps pay for news reporting.
Local Media Association focuses on reinventing business models for news through “networking, collaborating and learning.”
Under the program, the Local News Fund helps funnel funds to participating members. All donations to the Herald and TheJournal through the COVID-19 Local News Fund are tax-deductible through the Local Media Association, a 501(c)(3) foundation.
“The slowdown comes at a time when our subscribers and advertisers need information and service the most,” said Trent Stephens, senior editor of the Herald. “At the same time, the slowdown has hurt newspapers like it has many businesses in Southwest Colorado and the Four Corners. We have lost advertising business and have laid off staff who provide the news coverage our subscribers want most.”
The Herald newsroom, deemed an essential business by the state of Colorado, has remained staffed seven days a week throughout the coronavirus shutdown.
“The stay-at-home order put our business and all our local businesses in financial danger,” Opalenik said. “Our local advertising revenue sources had to shut their doors and yet, we still must continue to print our community newspaper and operate a daily news site. We needed to find a way to help with our struggles, continue to produce news and be here to help market our local businesses when they reopen their doors.”
It’s easy to donate at durangoherald.com. Click on the Local News Fund log or go to givebutter.com/thedurangoheraldcovidfund.
