Who's behind the news?
Who's behind the news?
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Newsjunkie.net is a resource guide for journalists. We show who's behind the news, and provide tools to help navigate the modern business of information.
Use of Data
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San José Spotlight is a nonprofit news organization dedicated to in-depth coverage of Silicon Valley’s biggest challenges and opportunities. Launched in January 2019 by local journalists Ramona Giwargis and Josh Barousse, the outlet was born out of concern for the erosion of independent news coverage in one of the nation’s most populous and economically influential regions. Recognizing that traditional local media were shrinking just as the complexity of regional issues was growing, the founders set out to build a newsroom that could provide sustained, accountable reporting for the community it serves.
From the start, San José Spotlight has focused on stories that matter most to residents but are often overlooked or underreported elsewhere—housing affordability, transportation planning, economic inequality, city and county governance, and civil rights. As an independent nonprofit, the outlet is structured to prioritize public interest over profit, relying on philanthropic support, reader donations, sponsorships, and grants to fund its journalism. This model allows the newsroom to pursue investigative work, data-driven reporting, and long-term projects without the commercial pressures faced by corporate media.
Staffed by a lean but growing team—currently around two editors and seven reporters—San José Spotlight produces a steady stream of digital stories, analysis, and newsletters that inform and engage its audience. Its reporting frequently highlights marginalized voices and scrutinizes decisions by powerful institutions, with the mission of fostering transparency and accountability in local government and public policy. The outlet has earned recognition for its fearless coverage and its role in catalyzing civic participation.
At the heart of San José Spotlight’s work is a commitment to community service journalism. Its mission emphasizes not just reporting facts, but strengthening democracy by uplifting underrepresented perspectives, empowering residents with information, and building a civic culture rooted in informed dialogue. In a region defined by rapid change and deep disparities, San José Spotlight stands as an example of how nonprofit local journalism can fill critical gaps in coverage and make a tangible impact on public life.