Nonprofit news outlets had a strong traffic month in January

“The news gods provided us with a lot of reporting opportunities — good and bad — that resonated with people.” That’s the reason Colorado Sun editor Dana Coffield gives for her nonprofit news site’s strong traffic performance in January. Traffic was up 53% from the month before, according to estimates from Similarweb, going from 1.24...

6 April 2026 at 05:50 pm

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Nonprofit news outlets had a strong traffic month in January

In January, nonprofit news outlets experienced a surge in traffic, driven by a mix of compelling stories that resonated with readers. According to Similarweb estimates, the traffic for these outlets increased significantly, reflecting a strong performance for the sector.

Colorado Sun, a nonprofit news site, saw a notable boost in traffic, with a 53% increase from the previous month. This marked a significant jump, moving from 1.24 million to 1.9 million visits. Dana Coffield, the editor of Colorado Sun, attributed this success to the abundance of reporting opportunities that captured the public's attention. These stories ranged from local disputes to unique events, each contributing to the site's increased engagement.

One of the most successful stories in January was a dispute over clearing forest land to build a road for 19 proposed luxury homes. This issue sparked debate and drew readers in, highlighting the importance of local news in shaping public opinion. Another notable story involved a solo hiker killed by two yearling mountain lions, which underscored the dangers of the wilderness and the need for preparedness.

In addition to these compelling narratives, nonprofit news sites also covered unique and extraordinary events. For instance, an Air Force captain set a skydiving-in-formation world record with 104 people participating. Such stories not only entertained but also showcased the achievements of individuals, inspiring readers and driving traffic.

Moreover, the traffic surge was not limited to Colorado Sun. The 100 most-popular nonprofit news sites collectively recorded 72.1 million visits in January, an increase from 64.6 million in December. This demonstrates the overall strength of the nonprofit news sector, which continues to gain traction and relevance.

Several nonprofit news outlets experienced significant growth in January. Columbus's Matter News saw a remarkable 297% increase, while Illinois's Lansing Journal and Sahan Journal recorded 261% and 181% growth, respectively. Mississippi Today, Oaklandside, and The Texas Observer also saw substantial traffic increases, with percentages of 113%, 115%, and 114%, respectively.

The War Horse, National Parks Traveler, Votebeat, and inewsource were among the top performers in January, with traffic increases of 238%, 75%, 236%, and 211% over December. These outlets' success highlights the diverse range of topics that engage readers and drive traffic growth.

The January traffic surge for nonprofit news outlets can be attributed to the combination of local, unique, and extraordinary stories that captured the public's interest. As these outlets continue to deliver compelling content, they are poised to maintain their strong performance and contribute to the growing importance of nonprofit journalism in the media landscape.

Source: Nieman Lab

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