Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Petaluma Voice?
No one and everyone. As a nonprofit, Petaluma Voice is owned by the community it serves and led by its local staff and board, with no corporate owner. It is people-powered.
What is your mission statement?
Petaluma Voice is an independent, nonprofit news source. We believe that information is essential and should be accessible to all. We exist as a social service to empower and engage our community by providing nonpartisan, trustworthy news.
How is PV different from other local newspapers?
Petaluma Voice is online-only with no paywall. It is not owned by a corporate hedge fund based in another state and beholden to profits and advertisers. PV provides unique, locally generated coverage, not consolidated and syndicated content.
How are journalists paid?
Petaluma Voice is funded through donations, sponsorships, and reader memberships. As we grow, we plan to apply for grants.
Do you sell advertising?
No! Petaluma Voice does not sell ads and is not beholden to paid advertisers. PV discloses all sponsorships and upholds a strict conflict-of-interest policy.
What kinds of stories does PV cover?
Petaluma Voice covers local issues and topics that impact the lives of Petalumans. This includes local government, schools, business, arts, events, and the environment. PV provides information and stories that community members want and need.
What is your editorial policy?
Petaluma Voice reporters and editors have full editorial control over the content we choose to publish. We do not allow sponsorships or external financial interests to influence our work. We are editorially independent from our board of directors. As a pillar of community journalism, we believe in transparency and accountability. For more information, visit our corrections and AI policies, and view our code of ethics.
How often is PV published?
Petaluma Voice publishes weekly, with subscribers receiving access to a new issue in their inbox every Wednesday. As PV grows, we intend to publish more frequently.
How can I support Petaluma Voice?
Become a free subscriber or paid member; send us a donation via our fundraiser page; follow us on social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn); and share, repost, and comment!
What are the benefits of subscribing/membership?
Subscribing to our newsletter is free. We offer a variety of monthly and yearly membership options, with paid members receiving perks like the ability to comment on stories and access to our archives and small events. Membership helps sustain our ability to deliver impactful, relevant news. With more supporters, we can grow to cover the topics you’re interested in at a deeper level.
How do I contact you with a news tip or story idea?
Please reach out via email: news@petalumavoice.org. You can also call or text us at: 707-800-9217. To reach an individual reporter, visit our staff page.