Michael Phillips: Why I do what I do

Here is the last of three profiles of key members of The Richmonder’s newsroom:

I devoted 16 years to working at the Times-Dispatch, where I was among an ever-dwindling number of journalists giving their all to keep the community informed. But I grew tired of watching the newspaper and its ambition shrink. Out-of-town ownership is good for shareholders, but bad for those who want to know what's happening in our community.

I moved my way up the ranks of the RTD, but ultimately decided not to pursue an opportunity to run the newsroom. The time had come for me to leave and try something new. 

I'm not a native Richmonder, but I've come to love this city. My wife and I are raising two daughters in Forest Hill. 

It's my passion for community news that led me to start The Richmonder. People tell us they don’t see their neighborhood’s concerns reflected in local news coverage. We aim to fix that. And our nonprofit business model makes information available to everybody, not just those who can afford a subscription.

Michael’s vision has come together faster than any of us could have imagined. He is in the process of hiring a third full-time reporter. We are launching a speaker series next month. People from all corners of the city are hungry for local news that is community-focused.

Here is what prompted one GenX reader from Northside to donate: “I feel so much more informed about what is going on in the city and am very grateful,” she wrote. 

Today, I’m asking you to become more than a Richmonder reader.

Become a donor.

Your support will help ensure that Michael has the resources to build on his vision for what may be the last, best chance for quality, sustainable local news. 

We make it easy to join with the more than 600 readers who have made the decision to invest in our efforts to enlighten and connect the community.

Click on a button below and commit to an amount that fits your budget and know you’ve done your part to share your passion for the community.

Thank you for reading The Richmonder and for your willingness to step forward and help make our work possible.

Regards,

David M. Poole
Development Director

PS – If you would prefer to make a one-time donation, you can select your preferred amount. The suggested annual amount is $120, but gifts of any size – large or small – are appreciated. You can double your impact by giving today. The first $1,000 of any donation will be matched through a challenge grant from the Institute for Nonprofit News. Thank you.