Five+ years. Two laptops. One basement office. So. Much. Coffee. So many things to count when you own a business. One big reason for The Phoenix’s success so far? YOU!

The Phoenix is a modern business with an old-school approach to local news. I live here. And I love Peachland. The contribution I want to make is providing an objective, professional, timely source of information. Something you can trust.

And I want to do it in a way that has a direct impact on journalism. Your $6/month goes  towards original, local reporting. Not rent for an office. Not employing staff. Not the cost of print. Believe me when I lament the loss of newspapers and ink-stained hands! But those days are gone, decimated decades ago by corporate interests not even advertising, government grants and wealthy volunteers can patch up. The printed newspaper model is broken because it’s unsustainable and no longer supports journalism. Ask any industry professional and they’ll tell you that’s a fact.

Erin Millar is CEO and co-founder of Indiegraf, which aims to strengthen local news in small communities. She’s also an industry advocate:

“The core business model that has driven our industry was not actually selling a valuable news product to audiences, it was grabbing audiences’ attention and selling their attention to advertisers.” she said in this recent panel discussion.

There’s so many reporters out there like me – and industry organizations dedicated to supporting the new reality – which is online, super-local and user-pay.

And this is where I’m really grateful – because for a town somewhat resistant to change, Phoenix subscribers are trying something new. They’re willing to pay for local news that’s original and worth reading. They advertise and sponsor our town’s only independent source of professional journalism because it’s reliable, unbiased and exists to inform. Here’s how you can help The Phoenix in 2026:

The free option – sign up for The Phoenix weekly newsletter! Weekly, to your inbox. You get local news headlines and our town’s most complete listing of upcoming Peachland events.

Sign up for a free month! Go to www.thepeachlandphoenix.com/subscribe – or send me an email. After your free month expires, you can continue for $6/month and get access to our town’s only local news, opinion pieces and poll results!

Don’t have time to read? Do you like the idea of independent, professional local news? Or, are you a current subscriber who believes the work is worth more? Contribute a monthly, yearly or one-time amount that’s not tied to a subscription! Just hit the “Support Local News” button on the Home page or send an Etransfer.

Local news. It’s not done by committee. It’s not done to further an agenda, create a personal legacy, or benefit a special interest group. The mere existence of a newsprint product doesn’t make for “one community.” When people are informed and interested in where they live, they’re able to make decisions for themselves. Supporters of The Phoenix know they can trust what they read, and they know why I am here. I’ll keep working hard for you! And I’m always listening.

In March 2025 The Phoenix turned FIVE years old – and it’s only because of subscribers, advertisers and sponsors, Peachland has a professionally-run news source.  In this age of misinformation and bias, I want you to log in and trust what you read. New subscribers, your first month is always free. Thanks for taking the time!

–Kristen