The Berkshire Edge Journalism Defense Fund

Help us hire more journalists

• Expand local coverage
• Support a strong and free press

Dear Edge reader,

When we founded The Berkshire Edge in 2014, we had one goal in mind: to create a news service that would help our readers become more fully engaged in the civic and cultural life of this community. And to offer it free of charge.

Every day of the week, readers enjoy the work of our talented cadre of journalists and columnists. The Edge has proven itself to be nimble and responsive and serious. We are on the spot. For example, just minutes after polls closed for the recent high school vote, The Edge posted the results first, for everyone to read. With no paywall. Ever.

Members and advertisers of The Edge already help us cover the cost of current operations. What we have found, however, is that we simply do not have enough revenue to fund the number of journalists we need. Important stories in many towns go unreported, and civic life is poorer for it. Some 130,000 individual readers visit The Edge every month looking for information. We need more reporters covering the news, investigating leads, writing articles, and posting quickly, all to keep you informed.

That is why we have launched The Berkshire Edge Journalism Defense Fund, to protect and nurture the coverage of local news. With it, we will expand our coverage, coverage that kept you informed during the East Mountain fire, during ICE raids in the Berkshires, during every municipal elections cycle, and during the lively, now year-round, cultural season.

In these fraught times, a free and robust local press is the cornerstone of a vibrant and democratic community. Please, contribute generously to the new fund and help us provide you with even better local news coverage,