Paper partnering with CNF to help sustain local media

This newspaper and the Mississippi Press Foundation (MPF) are teaming up 
to help strengthen local journalism in the area.

Last week, it was announced that The Franklin Advocate and MPF are 
partnering in the Community News Foundation (CNF), a new initiative 
designed to strengthen local journalism by helping newspapers and 
related news outlets raise community support for their editorial 
mission.

Created in 2025, the Community News Fund provides a streamlined way for 
local news organizations to solicit and receive tax-deductible donations 
from readers, businesses and community stakeholders. The program is 
intended to ensure Mississippi news outlets can continue delivering 
consistent, fact-based reporting on public affairs and issues that 
matter most to their communities.

"The role of local journalism has never been more important," said 
MPF Chairman Jack Ryan, publisher of The Enterprise-Journal in McComb. 
"The Community News Fund gives communities a direct way to invest in 
credible, local reporting and helps publishers sustain and expand 
coverage where it is needed most."

Publisher Paul Keane echoed similar sentiments.

"Local newspapers are the first historians for a community," he said. 
"They record the births, deaths, graduations, weddings, sporting 
achievements and so much more — in real time. They also provide 
valuable archives for future generations to explore through genealogy 
and research.

"This partnership is being established in order to help strengthen the 
role that newspapers play in a community. We hope that you will consider 
being a part of this endeavor."

Through the CNF, participating newspapers and digital news organizations 
will receive customized campaign portals established by MPF, making it 
easy to accept donations. All contributions are tax-deductible and will 
be managed and distributed by the Foundation to the designated 
publication.

To ensure transparency and accountability, participating outlets are 
required to submit quarterly reports detailing how funds are used to 
support news coverage and editorial operations.

Founded in 1983, the Mississippi Press Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit 
organization, works to support journalism education and to strengthen 
local newsrooms and the communities they serve across the state. The 
Foundation underwrites scholarships and internships for Mississippi 
journalism students and provides resources to support the mission of 
state newsrooms. 

For more information, contact Keane at 601-735-4341 or Layne Bruce with 
the Mississippi Press Foundation at 601-981-3060, extension 4