Two of central Pennsylvania’s largest media organizations are joining forces as WITF and LancasterOnline/LNP create a new model for local news and engagement.
The Steinman family, which has helmed the Lancaster newspaper for nearly 158 years, is gifting nearly its entire operation to WITF, creating a single, sustainable organization designed to fill a growing news gap in the region.
WITF is also establishing The Steinman Institute for Civic Engagement, made possible with support from The Steinman Foundation. The Institute will support local journalism and community-focused education initiatives and provide training opportunities for journalists.
Shane Zimmerman, president of the Steinman Foundation, says the goal is to have young journalists work closely with their local communities.
“Knowing that the combined organization needs to adapt and change to be prepared for future success, we’ve got to take advantage of our local roots and engage the community,” Zimmerman said. “And have them realize that the community is better off with us than without us, and demonstrate the value that local journalism brings to our community in a way to make it a better place.”