Since the Plymouth Independent launched on Nov. 20, 2023, we’ve operated with a staff of three – me, Andrea Estes, and Fred Thys – buttressed by a formidable cast of contributors.
We’ve published more than 1,000 stories, along with many letters, columns, photos, obituaries, and images from local artists. The Independent has chalked up millions of page views. It’s built an email list of 31,000 “subscribers” to our free nonprofit news site.
From the start, it was obvious that Plymouth residents were craving local news. But none of us expected the overwhelming surge of interest the site generated from the first week. Since then, I’ve received dozens of messages and calls from editors of startup nonprofit news sites around the country, most of whom ask a variation of this question: What’s the secret to your out-of-the-box success?
There is no magic involved, just relentless work, the support of a strong and engaged board, our business sponsors, and especially you – the readers.
Financially, this adventure is always going to be a challenge. Only about one in 10 readers have contributed to the Independent. We appreciate those who have and continue to do so, no matter the amount.
Thankfully, a generous local family (that wishes to remain anonymous) has given us a $1 million challenge grant to start an endowment. We’re more than halfway toward matching that incredible gift with another $1 million from donors. The funding will buy us security, generating annual income from its returns that can be used toward paying operating expenses. (For more information about the endowment, please contact the Independent’s Development Office at 617-800-9705.)
The same family that seeded the endowment has also given us additional money to hire a chief development officer – a top-tier pro whose sole job will be to raise funds for operating expenses. That process is underway.
We’re also going to make another hire – an executive editor. No, I’m not leaving. My promise to the board was that I would build the site and organization over at least two years. My two-year anniversary is in September. There’s always more to do that we can’t get to. My email in-box seems to have a life of its own. This job has been all-consuming. I’m glad I signed up for it.
All along, the plan has been for me to eventually take a step back and hand over the reins to someone younger who can elevate the Independent to the next level. Our board has started looking for the right person.
When that day comes, I’ll still be here, but my focus will turn to finding, reporting, and writing stories that are important to you.
For readers, this means that the Independent will pack on more muscle. Going from a staff of three to four is significant. It will allow us take on more stories – including follow-ups and time-consuming investigative pieces – and mark the beginning of a new chapter for the Independent as we move into year three.
I look forward to helping write it.
Mark Pothier can be reached at mark@plymouthindependent.org.