Editorial Independence:

The Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism takes seriously the importance of maintaining clear boundaries with external funders and sponsors of the newsroom. Editorial oversight and direction of any funded project at The Banner and the Pittsburgh Post Gazette remain fully independent of donor input. Donors may not direct or influence editorial decisions or coverage.

The editor in chief and newsroom staff determine areas of coverage, priorities for investigative reporting, and all story selection. These decisions rest solely with newsroom leadership and journalists. Funders and sponsors do not receive favored access to reporters or editors. Donor engagement is limited to high level briefings, written updates on supported initiatives, and invitations to events where journalists may speak.

In the interest of transparency, donors who support editorial coverage will be publicly acknowledged alongside or near the content their support makes possible.

For more information on newsroom ethics policies, please click here.

Policies on Gift Acceptance:

The Banner and the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, together with their parent organization the Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism, are supported by charitable contributions as part of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

The organization adheres to IRS regulations governing nonprofit entities and maintains additional policies to prevent conflicts of interest and protect editorial independence. As a member of the Institute for Nonprofit News, the organization is regularly evaluated to ensure high standards of transparency and integrity.

The Banner and the Pittsburgh Post Gazette are independent newsrooms committed to producing trustworthy local news. Protecting editorial independence remains the guiding principle of the following gift acceptance policies. Both operate under the Venetoulis Institute’s tax identification number, and all charitable contributions are subject to these policies:

– Contributions may be accepted for general operations or for broad areas of coverage that align with editorial priorities, such as health, criminal justice, education, and the arts.

– Donors are not informed of specific stories in advance and do not have access to content prior to publication. They do not receive privileged access to journalists or newsroom leadership.

– Anonymous gifts, including those made through donor-advised funds, may be accepted. The organization reserves the right to decline any gift that could influence coverage, create a conflict of interest, or pose reputational risk.

– Anonymous gifts over $5,000 for restricted support of a specific project or coverage area will not be accepted if the donor’s identity is unknown. If the identity is known, such gifts are reviewed on a case by case basis in consultation with leadership.

– Donor names will be publicly disclosed at least annually unless anonymity is requested and meets the stated criteria. The number and total support of anonymous donors will also be disclosed, and anonymous contributions will not exceed 10% of total revenue.

– Charitable contributions from elected officials are not accepted.

– Any gift of $1 million or more requires approval from the Board of Directors.

– These policies are reviewed periodically, and the most current version will be available on the website.