Colorado Springs Independent, sister publications adopt nonprofit model as publisher retires

The Colorado Springs Impartial and its sister publications will undertake nonprofit funding fashions on the finish of October. The change comes as longtime writer John Weiss retires. 

In line with an article on the Indy’s web site, the free publication began in 1993 as a substitute for The Gazette and to counter a long-dead state modification limiting the rights of LGBTQ+ folks. Weiss’s Colorado Publishing Home additionally operates the Colorado Springs Enterprise Journal; the Southeast Specific; and the Pikes Peak Bulletin. 

Weiss informed the Indy that he believes it is important for Colorado Springs to have two newspapers.

“I’m assured this mannequin — the place we are going to complement our revenue with group help — makes whole sense, and I’m assured now we have the workforce in place for achievement,” Weiss informed the paper. “The timing is true for me as a result of after three many years, I’m prepared for brand spanking new challenges.” 

One huge change readers will possible discover is a scarcity of endorsements for candidates or poll initiatives — a results of the publication’s transfer to nonprofit standing.

“I actually, actually need to emphasize that the mission hasn’t modified,” Amy Gillentine writer, government editor, and CEO informed Indy reporter Pam Zubeck. That features “standing up for people who find themselves marginalized. We received’t cease shining a light-weight the place it must be directed.”

The paper will function beneath the route of a board and a Colorado Springs-based group referred to as Citizen-Powered Media. 

In line with Zubeck’s reporting, Gillentine and different decision-makers selected the nonprofit funding mannequin after seeing the success of different publications, just like the Colorado Solar and the Instances-Recorder.

“We’re assured we’re transferring in the suitable route and see a pattern that extra group newspapers might be following,” she mentioned. “ I feel it’s going to [lead to] a extra strong reporting and information gathering operation.”

Gillentine mentioned there might be higher emphasis on digital information. A weekly print version will nonetheless be obtainable, although.