“To advance their legacy of supporting local journalism and media literacy, the Steinman family sought to pair LNP with another locally-based media organization – one with a self-perpetuating community board and a track record of strong leadership,” Robert Krasne, chairman and CEO of Steinman Communications said in the press release. “The family identified the perfect partner in WITF.
In addition, WITF, with financial help from The Steinman Foundation, is also establishing The Steinman Institute for Civic Engagement which will support local journalism, education and community engagement. “With Steinman Communications’ gift, WITF and LNP mark a new era and an unprecedented leap forward in how they serve our community,” Janice Snyder, chair of WITF’s board of directors said in the press release. “The transfer of LNP to WITF is not only a gift to our public media organization, but a gift to every central Pennsylvania resident – because a more vibrant institution for local news and community education makes for a more engaged citizenry and a healthier democracy.
Ron Hetrick, WITF’s president and CEO, will lead the combined organization. Robert Krasne will be chair of the board of managers of The Steinman Institute for Civic Engagement. “WITF and LNP already share so much in common,” Hetrick said in the release. “We both emphasize innovation, education and civic engagement as keys to fostering a more informed and engaged citizenry. We both have deep roots in the region and share a focus on local news and journalism that holds people in power accountable to the public.