IMPACT AND THE FREE PRESS
One of our earliest editorial campaigns was for Michigan to become a state, which it did in 1837. Impact — making a difference in our community and this country — is as central to our work today as it was then. Our newsroom's guiding principle is to do important, revelatory and unique journalism that catalyzes change.
On this page, you'll find stories reporting on the impact of our work. You'll see the people who've helped us make a difference, and the people whose lives have been forever changed.
Thank you to all of our subscribers. Your support of public service journalism helps make our communities better, more equitable and more democratic.
If you haven't subscribed yet, please consider doing so here.
See the full Community Impact Reports here:
Free Press stories that made a difference in 2022
The most important thing we do at the Free Press is help to make our communities better. It’s our test as a newsroom on guard for Michigan since 1831. See our stories that made the most impact in 2022. READ
From the Editor: Our commitment to you
We do this to to be sure we remain true to our values and obligation to get after the stories that matter here, across Michigan and often farther. READ
'Coldwater Kitchen' challenges our thinking on incarceration
The Free Press’ new documentary follows Chef Jimmy Lee Hill and three of his students in his culinary training program run out of a prison in Coldwater, Mich, as they struggle to adapt to incarceration. The film gives viewers a chance to be in closer proximity to issues around prisons, and the opportunity to question them. READ
A special message to our funders and supporters
We depend on grants and the backing of our subscribers and partners to sustain our public mission. This year we collaborated with more media organizations and university programs to cover issues ranging from redistricting to environmental justice. READ
Free Press events: Marathon, Film Fest, Top 10 Takeover enrich the region
Together we adjusted and still managed to help enrich the lives of Michiganders this year. Here are the highlights. READ
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Impact and the Free Press
