Herald Tribune and The Patterson Foundation launch Aspirations Journalism

The Patterson Foundation and the Herald-Tribune Media Group have partnered to launch Aspirations Journalism, a collaboration between philanthropy and journalism to inform, educate and encourage communities to be a part of the solution on a variety of social issues.

While traditional news media often examine and report on issues, they may not give communities opportunities to be part of the solution. Aspirations Journalism will engage communities on relevant issues by sharing a more complete story, providing a depth of information and opportunities that empower people to take action. Harnessing the power of storytelling, innovation, and collaboration, Aspirations Journalism will work to increase positive outcomes and share strategies, techniques, and technologies at a local and national level.

“With Aspirations Journalism, The Patterson Foundation is strengthening journalism in both its home region and newsrooms around the country,” said Debra Jacobs, president and CEO of The Patterson Foundation. “Partnering with the top-notch staff of the Herald-Tribune Media Group will create opportunities to closely examine issues that are relevant to all members of the community while sharing tangible ways to achieve our shared aspirations.”

The partnership follows from the lessons learned and success of SPIRE CoLab, an initiative started in 2015 by The Patterson Foundation and the Herald-Tribune Media Group to cover the importance of third-grade reading proficiency for success in the classroom and beyond. Aspirations Journalism expands that initiative to educate and engage communities locally and beyond on a broader range of issues.

“Aspirations Journalism is about what local newspapers do best: inform, educate, and build a foundation for positive change in our community,” said Matthew Sauer, executive editor and general manager of the Herald-Tribune. “This partnership with The Patterson Foundation is a unique opportunity to dive deeper into issues that are important to our readers and vital to the future of our region.”

Aspirations Journalism will focus on examining issues surrounding some of The Patterson Foundation’s initiatives, including Age-Friendly Sarasota, Suncoast Nursing Action Coalition, and National Council on Aging, as well as continued in-depth coverage of grade-level reading.