Fact-based news for everyday Americans
The Franklin News Foundation provides objective, balanced, citizen-focused public journalism to news outlets nationwide, helping readers to understand the impact that government policy decisions have on their lives.
A trusted source for news
The Franklin News Foundation's flagship news product, The Center Square, is consistently rated as a trusted source by independent auditors like Ad Fontes, AllSides, and NewsGuard. This trusted readership has enabled our products to grow against a declining industry trend in news.
Prioritizing factual reporting and a balanced perspective
The Ad Fontes Media Bias Chart assesses the political leanings and credibility of news providers. Our regular placement in the center of the chart demonstrates our commitment to reliable, balanced reporting.
No political spin
Examining news from all sides of the political spectrum, AllSides finds The Center Square as a "center" news source, helping readers understand controversial issues without being controversial.
Industry leaders
NewsGuard assists users in evaluating the reliability of online information. The Center Square earns top ratings among media outlets for credibility of news and transparency in reporting; only missing points for abiding by donors' constitutional rights to privacy.
What makes us different
Focusing journalism on the size, scope, and effectiveness of local, state, and national government, we deliver original reporting with accuracy, velocity, and frequency.
Holding elected leaders accountable
By covering stories others won’t, we are equipping families and communities with the facts that impact their daily lives. We cover issues such as:
Regulations on business
Law enforcement and public safety concerns
Homelessness and its impact on cities and neighborhoods
The border crisis and state leaders’ responses
Shedding a light on government actions
Our investigative journalism holds elected leaders accountable, helping everyday readers understand where their tax dollars are going and who is responsible. These investigations cover:
Government spending on controversial agendas
How state employee pensions are being managed
Education curriculum being taught in schools
What studies officials are using to support the passage/reform of laws
Through our newswire products, Franklin News Foundation provides all content for free to more than 800 media partners nationwide. This provides sustainable, accurate, and timely news to local community publications.
Reaching Americans across all media channels
We deliver high-quality journalism across a diverse array of brands, reaching audiences on the platforms they prefer. We seek to be first and best in market through an omni-channel distribution network that reaches millions of readers throughout the day – every day.
The Center Square
The Center Square newswire provides free, reliable coverage of all fifty statehouses and Washington, D.C.
Chalkboard News
Chalkboard News lifts the veil on public K-12 education, helping parents, teachers, and stakeholders understand what is happening in the classroom.
America's Talking Network
America’s Talking Network offers a plethora of educational and conversational podcasts, unpacking the issues affecting American families and communities.
Advanced Digital Media
Advanced Digital Media’s BlueRoomStream takes viewers behind the curtain of Illinois government, providing live, unfiltered footage of state officials’ activity in Springfield.
Illinois Radio Network
Illinois Radio Network’s 101 radio stations provides in-depth, statewide coverage of the Land of Lincoln.
Hear directly from our staff
This hard-hitting reporting is developed by on-the-ground journalists, working every day to bring you the news you need.
Christen Smith
Pennsylvania News Editor, The Center Square
Cole McNeely
Vice President of Audio & Video, Franklin News Foundation
Alan Wooten
Managing Editor, The Center Square