MADISON — Nearly five months after Isthmus announced in March it was shutting down indefinitely due to the pandemic, the Madison alternative weekly has decided to become a nonprofit news organization.
Isthmus editor Judith Davidoff announced the plan Thursday, which she said has the full support of the newspaper’s publishers, Jeff Haupt and Craig Bartlett. While the details of the transition to nonprofit status remain uncertain, it will allow Isthmus to seek funding in ways it could not previously, such as foundation grants and tax-deductible donations from readers and local businesses.
In the announcement, Davidoff expressed excitement for the newspaper’s future. Among the newspaper’s goals moving forward are a return to print, a diversification of the voices in the newspaper and collaborations with other local media organizations.
Davidoff said the move toward becoming a nonprofit was not just about saving Isthmus, which was founded in 1976. It also represents a reimagining of the newspaper to ensure the future of local news in Madison.
