I don't think anyone, anywhere, was prepared for the events of the past few weeks (though many people in power should have been). One of the ironies for In These Times is that we had just finalized our 2020 budget when the coronavirus outbreak hit the U.S. -- which meant the product of our months-long deliberative process was now almost useless.
As both a nonprofit and a print publication, we expect that In These Times will be hit particularly hard, financially, in the months to come.
In a crisis like this, there are two conflicting instincts: Cut back on our reporting to save money, or expand it to meet the urgent needs of the moment.
So far, we've chosen the latter. At a time like this, we need more truth-telling journalism, not less.
The gamble we're taking is that our readers will help support us financially through this difficult stretch.
Over the past two weeks we've published dozens of breaking news stories on the coronavirus outbreak, in addition to the in-depth features being completed this week for the new print issue. We've covered the frontline communities the crisis is impacting, its larger economic effects, and the developing political response.
Most importantly, we've been able to elevate perspectives and progressive voices that otherwise might go unheard in this crucial moment. And this coverage is finding an audience -- March is on track to be our highest month for web traffic, ever.
The pace of production has been intense. We've even pulled in former In These Times associate editor Jeremy Gantz, as well as former assistant editor Kat Jercich, to help with the increased volume of stories.
In These Times has always been a collective effort -- we can't do this alone.
A number of people have asked how they can help at this critical time. If you can make a donation, please do so now. All donations to In These Times are tax-deductible, and your contribution will help sustain our emergency reporting, and ensure that we can continue publishing during this crisis.
I can't say enough about how grateful we are to our community of donors for understanding the critical role of journalism during times likes this. It means a lot to know you're behind us.
Thanks, and be safe.
Christopher Hass
Executive Publisher
