Our award nominations are thanks to YOU

Last month we celebrated news that The Independent was shortlisted for four Atlantic Journalism Awards. Then, yesterday, we learned that we earned not one, but two Canadian Association of Journalists award nominations!

Not only do the Atlantic Journalism Award nominations cover four separate categories of journalistic excellence — they also involve five separate contributors: Tania Heath (Photojournalism News), Sara Swain (Arts & Entertainment Reporting and Writing), Leila Beaudoin and Jenn Thornhill Verma (Business Reporting and Writing), and Justin Brake (Enterprise Reporting, Audio).

For the Canadian Association of Journalists Awards, Jenn Thornhill Verma, Leila Beaudoin and Justin Brake received a nod in the Online Media category for their work on Seasplainer, while our podcast berrygrounds is a finalist in the Community Broadcast category.

These are no small feats for a tiny independent media outlet like ours. We are immensely grateful that our peers in the journalism industry recognize the quality of work The Independent produces. We are so proud of our team.

But the real hero in this story is YOU!

Without the monthly support from many of our readers and listeners, we would not be able to pay our writers, reporters and photojournalists to produce the smart, hard-hitting journalism that we’re known for.

We’re dreaming of what the future could hold for our newsroom. Over the coming year, we want to up our game in a big way — something that will only be possible with your support. 

Whether it’s $5 or $20 a month, every new monthly supporter gives us the firepower we need to bring marginalised voices and perspectives to the fore, and to challenge power. If you also believe this work is important, right now is the perfect time to support The Indy for journalism done differently in our province.

If you are in a position to make even a small donation towards unapologetic local independent journalism, that support will go a long way.

The Independent is here to tell the stories others don’t, or won’t.

Whether it’s shedding light on the stories behind the headlines, exposing the hidden impacts of government policies, or bringing tough questions directly to politicians on Confederation Hill — The Independent can only do these things because we are fueled by the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Ten years ago we were a small team of volunteer journalists and writers committed to keeping The Indy alive. Today, we have a team of paid editors and contributors whose work is recognized by readers, listeners and journalists across the country. 

Thank you for making the seemingly impossible, possible; let’s keep building a truly local and independent news outlet together!

In solidarity,

Erin Light
Board of Directors