Coachella Valley Journalism Foundation works to promote freedom of the press locally

“Our Liberty depends on the freedom of the Press, and that cannot be limited without being lost.”

These are the words written by Thomas Jefferson in 1786. They are displayed in a beautiful mural painted on the wall of the break room in the offices of The Desert Sun — our local award-winning newspaper. A gentle reminder of the power and importance of a free and vocal press.

Since 1927, The Desert Sun has chronicled the daily happenings, events, politics, controversies, accomplishments and activities that keep our valley busy and buzzing. Circulations for all printed newspapers across the country have declined in recent years due to the advent and popularity of digital technology and The Desert Sun — like so many other periodicals — have added a digital component. But what has not changed, and never will, reverts back to that Jefferson quote: the freedom of press cannot be limited without being lost.

Local community activist Ricardo Loretta, Desert Sun Executive Editor Julie Makinen and the newly formed nonprofit the Coachella Valley Journalism Foundation are committed to guaranteeing the ability of our local press to have a free voice.

"A free and vibrant press is one of the cornerstones of democracy," Loretta said. "Local news outlets inform the public and hold all of our elected officials accountable. They also provide a forum for civic debate. It's crucial we protect these voices."

To that end, the CVJF has been raising funds to help local press outlets continue reporting on important issues despite the economic challenges of doing so.

“In many instances, corporate interests have neglected or stripped away resources from our local news outlets. This really diminishes the quality and quantity of their work. The events of 2020 have brought many of these pressures to a head, and CVJF is committed to helping our fellow journalists continue to tell important stories. We recently issued a grant to KESQ so they could send a news team to Washington DC to report on an important national story that had strong local ties.”

KESQ anchor John White and Assistant News Director Tim Kiley traveled to our nation's capital in August to follow up on a local story first reported by White five years ago. KESQ General Manager Jerry Upham said this expansive coverage could not have been achieved without the grant from CVJF.

"The funds allowed us to send a team to the nation’s capital for the PACT Act signing," Upham said. "By going in person, we were able to capture the excitement of the moment and get important on-site interviews with congressman Ruiz who sponsored the bill in relation to the likely burn pit-related death of former Coachella Valley resident Jennifer Kepner and other direct beneficiaries of the Act. All of us at News Channel 3 are extremely thankful for the monetary assistance that the Coachella Valley Journalism Foundation supplied us."

It's for this important outreach dedicated to allowing a free press to continue their mission that we award CVJF the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation $1k Power of Community grant so they may further their commitment to that Thomas Jefferson quote so prominently displayed in The Desert Sun offices, constantly reminding the staff of the importance of free voices.

"Ricardo and the Coachella Valley Journalism Foundation aim to improve and expand the work of all news organizations in our valley," Makinen said. "The goal is to create a better community for all, and in the process, we hope to help create new, sustainable models for local journalism."

Hear hear, CVJF. Thomas Jefferson would be proud.

Sandie Newton is an award-winning broadcast journalist who began her career in Los Angeles as co-host of the nationally syndicated show "PM Magazine." She went on to host many local and national shows such as "Hollywood Insider" before becoming one of the original anchors for E! and a regular on Hallmark Channel's "Home & Family." In 2017, she moved to the desert full time, creating and hosting NBCares for more than six years, profiling more than 300 valley nonprofits. She is now the host of "Living Better," airing locally on KESQ, CBS2 and FOX.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Coachella Valley Journalism Foundation supports local news outlets