Definitions
Times of San Diego is part of NEWSWELL, a nonprofit organization based at Arizona State University. NEWSWELL uses a diversified revenue model that utilizes a mix of memberships, philanthropy, sponsorships and advertising. All of these revenue streams play an important role in supporting sustainable nonprofit community newsrooms.
To be transparent, display advertising will be labeled “advertisement.”
When it comes to articles or videos on our websites and newsletters, we want our audiences to understand the distinction between our journalism – independent news and other editorial content – and sponsored and/or advertising content that appears on any of our platforms.
Content supported by sponsors or advertisers will be labeled with one of the following:
Underwritten or sponsored content: This is independent editorial content – such as a recurring series or coverage of a specific topic – financially supported by entities (for example, a nonprofit, foundation or corporation) or people who believe in our coverage and mission and want to support it. The entities and people who provide this kind of financial support have no influence over the content or coverage. We hold this content to our journalistic standards. Underwritten content will include a notation that the content is “underwritten by” or “presented by” the name of the supporting entity.
Branded or advertising content: This is content for which a person or entity has paid to appear in our products – websites, newsletters, etc. NEWSWELL and its properties have no involvement in the creation of the content. The clients develop the material, and they are responsible for its accuracy. However, material must meet NEWSWELL’s advertising standards, and editorial staff will review the content prior to publication to make minor edits for style and grammar. Editorial staff also may upload the material to our websites. The points of view expressed in branded content don’t reflect those of NEWSWELL or its properties, and advertisers play no role in editorial decisions at NEWSWELL properties. Branded content will be clearly labeled and will contain language such as, “A message from …” to specify who is paying for the content placement.
Advertising and sponsorship policies
Branded content: Our editorial mission requires all content we publish, including underwritten and branded content, is factual and does not mislead readers. We will review all content accordingly. On occasion, we receive third-party content (i.e., text, ad copy and/or ad images) that, although well-intentioned, may not be consistent with our editorial standards. In such instances, we reserve the right to request revised copy or decline to publish the submitted materials.
Political advertising: NEWSWELL and its publications will not accept advertising or branded content related to political issues, campaigns or political advocacy efforts. Our focus remains on content that aligns with our core mission while maintaining a neutral stance on political matters. NEWSWELL follows Institute for Nonprofit News guidelines: “Cause communications have a valuable role in information systems, but they differ in purpose and mission from independent news that serves only to inform and educate, leaving it to the news consumer to determine their own position or course of action.”
Become an advertiser or sponsor
Times of San Diego is a nonprofit news organization serving all of San Diego County. Founded 11 years ago, the site has grown into the largest nonprofit digital news outlet in the region, reaching about 600,000 unique visitors a month. We provide free, high-quality journalism at a time when local news is increasingly behind paywalls or disappearing altogether.
We now have one of San Diego’s largest newsrooms, trusted by a loyal, hyperlocal audience. Our reach and impact continues to grow each year as more people are drawn to non-partisan news.
In addition to advertising, we offer several sponsorship opportunities, including underwriting content, such as making possible a series of stories or coverage of a specific topic. Underwritten content is produced by the newsroom with no involvement by the sponsors. There are opportunities to underwrite our newsletters – the daily Morning Update and our weekly community newsletters.
We also produce live community events that promote lifelong learning, civic engagement and democracy. These events provide a unique opportunity for sponsors to align with our trusted brand, interact with engaged audiences and boost brand visibility at these impactful in-person experiences.
When you become a sponsor or advertiser, you’re not only supporting local news, you’re affiliating your business with our award-winning work and Times of San Diego’s trusted brand. We reach a highly informed and engaged audience.
Interested in learning more? Check out our media kit.