Since the devastating events of March 15, it feels like an eternity has passed. Now, it’s time to provide an update on the status of Sixty35 Media.
Firstly, expect a change in our name. Responding to your feedback, we are proud to announce the resurrection of the Colorado Springs Independent, effective mid-April.
During our public meeting on March 23, Executive Editor Bryan Grossman addressed the community, acknowledging the need to end our identity crisis. “We understand that we can’t cater to everyone’s preferences,” he stated. “And one thing has become abundantly clear: You want the return of the Indy.”
Here’s what you should know:
THE NEWS
We are committed to pursuing essential stories often overlooked by mainstream media. Our mission is to serve the community, advocate for fairness and change, and amplify the voices of the marginalized. From investigative reporting to coverage of arts, entertainment, food, and music scenes, we aim to provide insightful journalism that fosters accountability and strengthens democracy.
As we rebuild our newsroom, expect comprehensive coverage of local events and issues. We will also reintroduce business coverage under the Colorado Springs Business Journal banner, while maintaining our focus on Southeast and Manitou Springs.
In addition to our daily newsletters, we plan to reinstate beloved features such as Fair & Unbalanced, horoscopes, News of the Weird, and our puzzle page. Stay tuned for the revival of our podcasts and in-depth interviews with election candidates.
THE FINANCES
As of March 26, our fundraising efforts have garnered $46,411 in donations, memberships, and subscriptions, contributing to our $125,000 target. We’ve also made progress in collecting past-due funds, securing $89,000 out of $283,000 in receivables between March 16 and 24.
However, sustaining memberships are crucial for our future. Citizen-Powered Media, the nonprofit behind the Indy and the Business Journal, relies on the support of our members, advertisers, and readers to fund our operations. Membership ensures consistent cash flow, enabling us to compensate our staff and deliver quality journalism.
THE MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
Membership is the lifeblood of our organization. With your support, we can build a sustainable team dedicated to serving the community. Our goal is to reach 2,500 members in the short term, but our vision is to have 8,000 members contributing $20 a month. This will enable us to expand our coverage and uphold the standards of independent journalism.
We urge you to consider becoming a sustaining member at sixty35media.memberful.com and to spread the word about our membership program. Your participation is essential in preserving the voice of independent media in our city.
THE WAY FORWARD
Rebuilding our team and expanding our coverage will be a gradual process. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we navigate this journey together. Your feedback is invaluable, so please take a moment to complete our survey at sixty35media.org/survey.
Thank you for your continued support as we embark on this new chapter with the Colorado Springs Independent. Together, we can ensure the vitality and relevance of independent journalism in our community.