From scrutiny on a new juvenile detention contractor to improved access to halal food for Afghan refugees at a local food pantry, PublicSource’s journalism has made its mark on and with the Pittsburgh region over the last year.
We’re proud to share PublicSource’s third annual impact report. In this report, you’ll find examples of changes in individuals, organizations, places, communities and systems that came from our reporting. Whether an impact involved one person or many, it is humbling to hear about them and also a reminder of why we do this work — because we care about our region.
While this is only our third report, our journalism has been catalyzing change since 2011, and we’ve been tracking it for more than six years. Over this time, our thinking around journalistic impact has been evolving and growing.
We know local journalism is a powerful source of information to help residents of the Pittsburgh region improve their communities and their lives. But how exactly does that happen?
At PublicSource, we believe that information deepens understanding. Understanding evokes empathy. And empathy strengthens communities and leads to a power structure that is responsive and accountable to the people.
We track impact to understand where communities are strengthening because of information and where we have opportunity to do a better job of putting information into the hands of people who can use it.
This year, our impact report lives alongside the new PublicSource 2025-28 strategic plan, which focuses on enhancing our ability to equip and empower our neighbors through reach, partnerships and our incredible team here at PublicSource. (More on that to come in 2025.)
We hope you will work with us in support of our vision for the future by making a gift of support and sharing with us when a PublicSource story creates impact for you.
Co-Executive Directors
Jennie Liska & Halle Stockton
