About

The Watson Project supports the entrepreneurial efforts of local, independent news organizations to achieve sustainability in the digital age.  Through philanthropic fundraising, it funds programs that produce high-impact journalism and aid in innovative news technology that will lead to highly-engaged, diverse and growing local news audiences.

Across Pennsylvania corporate-owned legacy newspapers are cutting their print circulation, most declining from a daily newspaper to a weekly newspaper, leaving rural communities without a trusted source of local news.

The Watson Project aims to protect rural counties in central Pennsylvania that are at risk of becoming “news deserts” and invest in indispensable public-benefit journalism for the communities it serves.

Read more about the decline and importance of local news:
https://www.theajp.org/why-local-news/

The Watson Project, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization.  EIN:  33-1879537

Our Mission

The Watson Project supports independent newsrooms that empower community engagement through free, accessible public service journalism.

What We Do

Sustainability Outreach – supporting local independent newsrooms with consulting on audience engagement, investments in technology and sustainability resources.

Education – cultivating future journalists offering post-secondary education scholarships, sponsored internships and other educational resources.

Community Involvement – building community and member supported newsrooms. Funding journalism efforts designed to address issues in their communities.

Make an Impact – Partner with local philanthropy and advocate for local news as a public good.