EDITOR’S NOTE: For the future of journalism, help fund interns at Salem Reporter

Hey, Salem, we need your help.

At Salem Reporter, we believe in the power of journalism to inform, engage, and strengthen our community. That’s why we remain committed to serving as a training ground for the next generation of reporters to uphold the highest standards of integrity, accuracy, and fairness in news reporting.

This summer, we again conduct our internship program. We provide aspiring journalists with hands-on experience in our fast-paced newsroom. With guidance from our seasoned reporters and editors, Hailey Cook from Oregon State University and Mirandah Davis-Powell from the University of Oregon will learn how to investigate important local issues, interview community members, and produce for you high-quality journalism that matters.

Their paid work is financially supported in part by the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication. Salem Reporter provides the balance to fund their summer here in the community. This is where you come in.

DONATE: Salem Reporter News Fund

We aim to raise $5,000 in the next 30 days. Your donation is vital to the success of this important program. By supporting our two full-time summer interns, you’re not just investing in young reporters – you’re helping to ensure that the Salem community continues to benefit from strong, independent journalism. With this additional reporting staff, we plan to expand our coverage on issues such as food insecurity and health care, dig deeper into the stories that matter, and keep you informed with timely and relevant news.

 Allow me to suggest giving levels that will be helpful:

$50 – helps cover supplies and other direct expenses.

$100 – Supports one day of costs for Hailey and Mirandah.

$500 – Supports one week of their time in Salem.

Every dollar counts. Your generosity will directly support intern salaries, training, and resources needed to provide meaningful learning experiences. More importantly, you help provide our society new journalists trained in ethical reporting done fairly and accurately.

Ready to help? Click here to donate to our News Fund. Thanks for helping us do even more for Salem – and for independent journalism.

Les Zaitz, editor and co-founder

PS: Prefer to donate directly? You can mail your contribution:

News Fund/Salem Reporter

494 State St. #410

Salem OR 97301

Les Zaitz is editor and CEO of Salem Reporter. He co-founded the news organization in 2018. He has been a journalist in Oregon for nearly 50 years in both daily and community newspapers and digital news services. He is nationally recognized for his commitment to local journalism. He also is editor and publisher of the Malheur Enterprise in Vale, Oregon.