Today, newsrooms across the country will mark Local News Day, taking a moment to recognize the essential role that local journalism plays in keeping communities informed, connected, and engaged throughout the United States.
Here in Dorchester, that mission is personal. It’s the work we do every day at The Reporter and online at DotNews.com. We are proud to be one of the founding newsrooms of this new national effort.
Since 1983, The Reporter has focused on the stories that matter most here — the ones that reflect the daily realities of one of Boston’s biggest, most vibrant, and diverse neighborhoods. From coverage of local schools and development projects to profiles of local leaders and small businesses, our mission has remained consistent: to inform, to connect, and to reflect the community we serve.
When residents are equipped with reliable information about their own community, it becomes easier to engage, to participate, and even to disagree constructively.
But local news only works when it’s supported by the community it serves.
Every reader who picks up the paper, clicks on a story, shares a link, or sends us a tip plays a role in sustaining this work. In an era when many local newsrooms are shrinking or disappearing, that support is more important than ever to The Reporter.
Local News Day is a chance to recognize that connection — and to strengthen it.
How can you participate? There are a few ways you can support your local newsroom.
First, consider subscribing to the print edition of The Reporter. The cost is just $60 per year— or just over $1 per week to have this newspaper delivered to your home or business every week.
This option also makes a good gift for a new neighbor or for that relative who no longer lives locally, but enjoys staying current with news and commentary from the old neighborhood.
Second, if you own a local business or non-profit, consider advertising in The Reporter. That’s the primary way we bring in revenue to help support the work of the reporters, photographers, editors, and sales staff who produce our newspaper and our DotNews.com website throughout the week.
Patrons: Please let your favorite businesses and organizations know: The Reporter is your trusted news source and you’d appreciate it if they’d consider using our various platforms to promote their business AND support local journalism.
You can also sign-up for our free newsletter here. And it’s helpful to us if you follow us on Facebook, BlueSky Social, and Instagram. (And if you’re not already following our partners at DotLife podcast, please follow them on your favorite streaming service).
And, finally, if you’d like to make a more substantial contribution, please consider sponsoring our upcoming event, “The Future of Local News,” which will be held at Southline Boston (formerly the Boston Globe’s headquarters in Dorchester) on May 28, 2026.
This special evening event will serve as the launch of a new fellowship program that will create a pipeline of journalism talent here in Boston’s neighborhoods through job training and a scholarship that will help support journalism-track education for young people from Dorchester and surrounding communities.
It will also serve as a kick-off of sorts to the Dorchester Day season ahead of the big June 7, 2026 parade.
For more information about sponsorship packages for this ticketed event, please email sponsor@dotnews.com.
Finally, share this article and others you read on the Reporter and let folks know: We need our community’s support to keep up the level of high-quality community journalism you rely upon through The Reporter.
Thank you for your support and encouragement.
Read more about the Reporter and our history here.
Watch this report on WCVB-TV’s Chronicle about the Reporter’s work.
