Salem Reporter, the independent newsroom serving Salem and Keizer, announced a year‑end fundraising campaign called “27 for 2027.” The goal is to collect $27,000 in tax‑deductible contributions by Jan. 1, 2027. The money will fund two additional reporters and expand the outlet’s education team, homelessness coverage, and overall news distribution.
Recent newsroom achievements
In 2026 the paper launched an education team led by Eddy Binford‑Ross and Kent Friel, a partnership made possible through Report for America and reader donations. The duo has produced in‑depth reporting on school closures, building utilization, staffing trends and test‑score analysis for the Salem‑Keizer School District.
Reader support also kept a paid internship program with the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication alive. Interns helped investigate a proposed data‑center project, covered a local comedy open‑mic night and assisted veteran journalist Robert Monteith, the new managing editor, in community outreach.
Salem Reporter was selected as one of twenty newsrooms nationwide for a management‑training program, giving staff access to experts in marketing, finance and human resources. The outlet says this has sharpened its business operations and positioned it as a professional enterprise rather than a “mom‑and‑pop” shop.
Accountability reporting highlights
Reporter Joe Siess examined Verrus’s data‑center plans, the city’s nondisclosure agreement, and a state land deal that was later cancelled by Gov. Tina Kotek. Reporters Abbey McDonald and Madeleine Moore documented the city’s response to homelessness, spending time in tent camps and shadowing mobile service teams. Hailey Cook covered the merger of Salem Health with a Stayton hospital, earning a national fellowship for her work. Krista Kroiss, formerly of the Keizertimes, reported on the city‑run events center’s financial challenges.
The newsroom also pursued public‑record battles, filing requests and, when necessary, lawsuits to obtain government information. One ongoing case involves Marion County Commissioner Danielle Bethell, accused of pressuring law‑enforcement and judges after her daughter received a traffic citation.
Future plans and donor appeal
Looking ahead to 2027, the paper plans to continue its education reporting, deepen coverage of homelessness, and improve how it shares news with the community. A fall reader survey will help shape priorities. The merger with the Keizertimes in September expanded coverage of Keizer, giving Salem readers a dedicated reporter for that city.
Les Zaitz, founder and editor, wrote, “Our goal is to provide Salem‑area residents with facts, not emotions or misinformation. With your help, we can keep the newsroom strong and independent.” Donations can be made securely online or by mail to Salem Reporter, 494 State St. #210, Salem, OR 97301, marked for the “27 for 2027” fund.
Original reporting: Salem Reporter — read the source article.
