As an independent newsroom of seven, Billy Penn is no stranger to asking the hard questions.
We were on the other side of the interview as we prepped for this campaign, and had to answer one question ourselves: Why should readers give us money?
As the web clutters up with clickbait, pop-ups, and paywalls, the need for high-quality and accessible reporting becomes more urgent.
Enter Billy Penn.
Our foremost goal is to act as a public service for the people of Philadelphia and help build community. That means covering everything from hard-hitting topics like gun violence to quirky beats like where to find the best water ice. We’re committed to doing it all without requiring a paid subscription, because we believe every resident should have access to reliable, timely information.
Here are a few examples of our favorite BP moments:
- The instant classic Angry Eagles Fan
- Flooded highways after Hurricane Ida
- History of Philadelphia Cream Cheese
- The labyrinth that is SEPTA rail stations
- Touring the Masonic Temple next to City Hall
- Headhouse Square’s anti-people redesign
- Ya Fav Trashman’s litter cleanup
Become a member, and you’re investing in more than just Billy Penn — you’re investing in a future of journalism beholden to the people, not to advertisers.
To keep that future bright and hit our fiscal year-end target, we need to raise $23k by June 30. Your money goes straight to the salaries of our reporters, freelancers, and operating costs.
Join us today — and tell us your favorite BP story! Drop a line or two about a story that caught your eye, or a way Billy Penn has been useful for you. We’ll reshare on social too, so don’t forget our campaign hashtag #bpfinishline.
