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.  Within the next decade, it is likely that most rural communities will become “news deserts.”

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, audience engagement, investments in technology and sustainability resources.

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

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

Invest Capital – makes investments to local independent news organizations for operational capacity and enhance technology to create sustainable futures.

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