Support local journalism. You’ve probably heard that recently, likely in conjunction with the phrase “now more than ever,” or “in these times.” Maybe you’ve said it yourself. Well now’s your chance!
C-VILLE is free on newsstands and costs nothing to read online, and that’s not changing. But we’re kicking off a fantastic new membership program for readers who want to support our work directly. Members get a ton of perks, including digital advance editions of the paper, exclusive contest entries, an invitation to our annual Best of C-VILLE party, and even—and this is the really exciting part—a tote bag or T-shirt. Plus, you’ll sleep easier knowing the future of local journalism is secure.
This community is better with C-VILLE Weekly in it. In recent months, we’ve brought Charlottesville’s past to life, told untold stories, and revealed why the town looks the way it does. Our reporting on the University of Virginia (in libraries, dining halls, bars, the financial aid office, and more), Charlottesville politics (from the police department, to city hall, to the statehouse), and public schools (both here in town and further afield) has held those in power accountable and connected the community with the institutions that shape its daily life.
We’re also Charlottesville’s preeminent local arts, music, food, and living journal. We write about connoisseurs and entrepreneurs, lovers and rockers, foodies and families; we keep you clued in on what’s happening in our lively metropolis. This week, our feature is all about the 33rd Virginia Film Festival.
(And since I’m under no illusions about why some of you pick up the paper each week, I’ll mention that we’ve got horoscopes, sudokus, and crossword puzzles, too.)
We didn’t dream this up ourselves. In Boston and Durham and Madison and Boulder and beyond, new members have contributed hundreds of thousands of much-needed dollars to support independent alt-weeklies. To put it bluntly, the local news industry is in dire straits, and everyone has had to get creative.
To become a member, head here. And if you have any questions, please reach out to me (editor@c-ville.com) or our excellent publisher Anna Harrison (anna@c-ville.com).
Dozens of you have seen the ads for the program on our website and signed up already—thank you so much. We hope many more of you will join in the coming weeks. C-VILLE is here to serve you, the readers, and we will continue to do that for as long as we possibly can. Seriously: Thank you.—Ben Hitchcock