Wisconsin Watch and Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service (NNS) on Sept. 17 announced they are officially merging to strengthen local news across Wisconsin.
“Our partnership has been years in the making. After working together for several years on news projects, we began teaming up to raise key fundraising support that will allow both operations to flourish. Our partnership has yielded many innovative projects, including the News414 text reporting system, where we send vital news to folks who can also text questions and tips to us,” Wisconsin Watch announced on its website. “Now we’re working to build a brighter future for local news in Wisconsin upon that foundation of collaboration.”
NNS will continue to operate as an independent newsroom under its founding mission to serve, empower and engage the city of Milwaukee with community-focused news.
The entire NNS staff has joined Wisconsin Watch, including Ron Smith, executive director, who will be enshrined next month in the Milwaukee Press Club Hall of Fame; Tannette Elie, managing editor, recently named president of the Milwaukee chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists; and PrincessSafiya Byers, a finalist for the prestigious national Loeb Awards for her collaboration with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on the challenges residents face when out-of-state investors buy rental properties in distressed neighborhoods.
“Together, we’re doubling down on our commitment to ask the questions our neighbors want answered, uncover the challenges they face and shine a light on the solutions that empower our communities,” the Wisconsin Watch announcement reads. “By combining forces, we’ll have an even greater ability to deliver impactful, fact-based journalism that addresses the most pressing issues in Milwaukee and across the state.”
According to Wisconsin Watch, the partnership allows Wisconsin Watch to not only enhance investigative and community-centered reporting but also collaborate on innovative projects like News414, where Wisconsin Watch connects directly with residents via text for real-time news updates and tips.
“With the support of the American Journalism Project, this merger is more than just a collaboration — it’s a bold step toward building a sustainable future for local journalism in Wisconsin,” the announcement reads.
To learn more about contributing to Wisconsin Watch’s work, contact director of philanthropy, Anna January, via email at ajanuary@wisconsinwatch.org.
Read more in the announcement linked here.
