A Leap Forward for Local Journalism, Community Education and Civic Engagement in Central Pennsylvania
For nearly 158 years and four generations, the Steinman family of Lancaster owned and operated what today is LNP|LancasterOnline, Lancaster County’s top source of news and information.
Founded by educators in 1963, WITF has been an essential part of the civic, educational and cultural fabric of the Central Pennsylvania region for 60 years.
In June 2023, LNP and WITF — two vibrant, local institutions — marked a new era and a huge leap forward in how they serve all who call Central Pennsylvania home.
Steinman Communications, which is owned by the Steinman family, gifted LNP to WITF as a capstone to the family’s two centuries of community service and philanthropy.
Together, WITF and LNP are creating a new mission-driven and sustainable model for local news, community education and civic engagement in the region. Together they will:
- Collaboratively expand and diversify local news media platforms, educational programs and forums for civic engagement
- Build on local journalism that shines a light on government decision-making, serves as a check on public spending and holds elected leaders accountable
- Deliver local news in ways that inform and inspire the communities they serve
- Fill the void in local journalism that has resulted as other media organizations retrench or close
- Expand equitable access to proven, effective education programs for learners regionally and statewide
The combination of WITF and LNP, under their parent company Pennon, will leverage each other’s strengths to achieve their educational mission through increased early childhood education, STEM education, media literacy, and civic engagement programs. Additionally, with seed funding from The Steinman Foundation, WITF has established The Steinman Institute for Civic Engagement. The Steinman Institute will concentrate on building stronger communities by researching, developing and advancing innovations in the areas of local news consumption and delivery, media literacy, and ways in which citizens participate in civic life.
The combined Pennon enterprise remains 100% locally owned and operated and serves almost three million people in 19 counties in Central Pennsylvania.
With our shared commitment to local journalism, community education and civic engagement, we are excited for you to discover all the ways we will enrich more lives — together.
Ways You Can Support
Donate to WITF
Show your support for WITF by making a one-time gift, or become a monthly donor to support quality local journalism in Central Pennsylvania.
Stay connected to Lancaster County
Quality, independent, local journalism plays an important role in our community. We appreciate your support.
Support Local Journalism Through WITF
Your donation will support, protect and expand local journalism in and for Lancaster County by promoting investigative and public interest journalism and media literacy.
Contact Us
We welcome and value your feedback and questions. Please reach us through one of the methods below.
