When Jennifer P. Brown and I first launched Hoptown Chronicle in 2019, we were excited and ambitious about this small but mighty endeavor.
Unless you are one of our most loyal and longtime readers, you might not know that this news organization actually started as a Facebook page, born from a story Jennifer wrote about a downtown property auction. She saw a need for coverage of issues that are overlooked or misunderstood. And based on the tremendous backing we’ve received since, many of you did too.
Four years later, community support continues to allow us to grow and produce meaningful, independent journalism that makes a difference in Hopkinsville and Christian County.
Earlier this week, we marked Giving Tuesday, a global movement to support local communities. Thanks to the generosity of Hoptown Chronicle supporters (including nine new donors), we exceeded our $2,000 goal for the day — raising $3,456.
Here at Hoptown Chronicle, we’re immensely grateful. We also think it’s a smart investment — one we take seriously.
Research shows that strong local news ecosystems increase voter turnout (particularly when it comes to local races), increase community engagement, build a sense of shared connection, benefit public health, help reduce pollution, and save taxpayer dollars by keeping municipal borrowing costs low.
By investing in local journalism, you’re contributing to the welfare of your community and helping us tell stories that make a real difference in people’s lives.
You’ve already helped us make huge strides toward our most ambitious NewsMatch goal ever of $33,000, and donations will continue to be matched dollar for dollar through Dec. 31 will be matched dollar for dollar.
Plus, if we gain 50 new donors by the end of the year, NewsMatch will award Hoptown Chronicle additional bonus funds. As of Saturday, 22 new donors had given since Nov. 1. So, if you appreciate what we do and have considered contributing in the past, now is a great time to show your support. A contribution of just $10 goes a long way in helping us unlock more support for local news in Hopkinsville.
If you’ve already given, but want to help in this effort, consider sending a Hoptown Chronicle story to a friend or family member, encouraging them to sign up for our newsletter or sharing our NewsMatch fundraiser on Facebook.
Thank you for making Hoptown Chronicle possible.
Julia Hunter is the engagement editor for Hoptown Chronicle. Reach her at julia@hoptownchronicle.org.
