[link removed]
[link removed]

Powered by you: This month’s updates from Poynter
* Your role in Poynter’s new membership program
* An open letter to Meta from Poynter’s International Fact-Checking Network
* Poynter’s editing certificate program and journalism awards return
* A special message from Neil Brown, Poynter’s president


Dear ,

As we enter the new year, please know how much all of us at Poynter appreciate your continued support of Poynter. Your generosity directly powers our nonprofit mission, equipping thousands of journalists worldwide with the training and resources they need to serve their communities.

In 1975, the Institute’s founder, Nelson Poynter envisioned an organization dedicated to supporting the journalists who uphold democracy’s stability, progress and integrity.

These words ring true now more than ever as the Poynter Institute celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Your gifts make possible Poynter’s commitment to advancing excellent, ethical journalism.

Inside this month’s donor newsletter, you’ll find stories of the impact you’ve made possible, plus a special note from Poynter’s president, Neil Brown.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

Deborah Read

Executive Director, Poynter Foundation


** Your gift in action
------------------------------------------------------------


** This month’s stories of impact and giving from across the Institute.
------------------------------------------------------------
[link removed]

Poynter launches membership program to celebrate supporters like you ([link removed])

The program offers special benefits such as exclusive communications, discounts, preferred access to Poynter events and more.
[link removed]

Read IFCN’s open letter to Mark Zuckerberg ([link removed])

As Meta announces an end to U.S. fact-checking, your support keeps us going. IFCN remains steadfast in its commitment to fact-based journalism.
[link removed]

Poynter and ACES announce release of Advanced Certificate in Editing ([link removed])

We’re thrilled to launch this certificate in a time when clear communication, ethics and inclusivity in the written word is more valuable than ever.
[link removed]

The story behind the Poynter Journalism Prizes ([link removed])

The 2025 Poynter Journalism Prizes are now open for entries. Here’s a brief history of the contest, which honors distinguished reporting and writing from US-based news outlets.


** How you’re a part of 50 years of greatness
------------------------------------------------------------

Poynter's 50-year journey is a story of transformation. Supporters like you have helped us grow from our humble beginnings in a pest-ridden, art-deco building in downtown St. Petersburg into what you know us as today: a global thought leader that teaches and inspires thousands of journalists around the world. If you haven't yet, I encourage you to read senior scholar Roy Peter Clark's recent story exploring Poynter's rich history ([link removed]) in honor of this milestone anniversary. As we reflect on the last 50 years, I invite you to look ahead with us. Extraordinary, fast-paced change is intrinsic to journalism and media. Social media is shifting where we find news, and generative AI is reshaping the news we see.

Yet thanks to your support, Poynter remains committed to its mission to strengthen journalism and uphold democracy. Through our branches — PolitiFact, MediaWise, our teaching team, and the International Fact-Checking Network — we work tirelessly to help communities access reliable, fact-based information.
[link removed]

You’ve helped make all of this possible. Every journalist trained, every fact checked, every student reached through media literacy programs — all of it stems from your generosity. Thank you for partnering with us to build the next chapter of journalism. We’re grateful to have you by our side.

Neil Brown

President, Poynter Institute

As always, we want to extend a special thanks to the Poynter Foundation, whose leadership and support advance the Poynter Institute’s mission.

Poynter Foundation, Inc. Board of Trustees:
* Neil Brown, President, Poynter
* Brian Bracco, Retired, Former VP, Scripps Media & VP Hearst Television
* Lari Johnson, President, Lari Johnson Public Relations
* Jessi Navarro, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Poynter
* Frank J. ‘Sandy’ Rief, Attorney, Longhouse Richards Olsen & Rief LLLP
* Mark Sena, President, Mars Communications, Inc.
* Brian Tierney, CEO, Brian Communication
* Deborah Read, Executive Director, Poynter Foundation
* Brenda Rosado, Treasurer, Poynter Foundation


Thank you so much for reading this month’s edition of the Truth of the Matter. If you’d like to leave feedback or ask a question, please reply to this email (mailto:[email protected]?subject=&body=) .

Warm regards,

Neil Brown, President, Poynter Institute

Deborah Read, Executive Director, Poynter Foundation

[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]
[link removed]

© All rights reserved Poynter Institute 2025
801 Third Street South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

You’re receiving this email because you donated to Poynter or opted in on our website ([link removed]) .

If you don't want to receive email updates from Poynter, we understand.
You can change your subscription preferences ([link removed]) or unsubscribe from all Poynter emails ([link removed]) .