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So You Want To Contribute To LAist? Here's How

With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today . 

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We're here to answer questions about Southern California that keep you up at night. If you have one, ask it here.


Support for LAist comes from

When LAist relaunched this week, we invited readers to ask us anything. You didn't disappoint. We've received questions on everything from immigration and escalators to street vending and the solar panels at the L.A. Veterans Affairs parking.

One question caught our eye -- maybe it's because we've seen it pop up on our website, email and social channels: "How can I contribute to LAist?"

We're glad you asked! We want people who are deeply engaged in Los Angeles and in their communities to contribute to the site. You don't need a background in journalism or writing. You just need to be passionate about sharing your stories. Here's more info:

What kind of stories is LAist looking for?
The sky's the limit. From breaking news to arts and culture stories, we want it all. Get broad. Get local. Take us off the beaten path. What do you know that we don't? We're interested in serious, reported news. We're interested in personal stories. We're interested in quirky, unique corners of the city. We're interested in ANYTHING that tells a deeper story about life in Southern California.

Do you pay?

You bet! We pay $200 per story.

Can I contribute something other than writing?
Yes -- eventually. Down the line, we may want photography, video, artists, jetpacks. You get the idea. If you have something you think belongs on LAist, you can reach out to us at tips@laist.com.

I have an idea, but I'm not sure it's any good. Should I send it to you anyway?
Yes! (Have you spotted a trend yet?) We want to hear from as many different people on as many different subjects as we can.

When will I hear from you?
We've received a lot of inquires since we relaunched, so it may take us a while to reply to you. We promise to consider every email we receive.

Support for LAist comes from

You can also get involved by submitting a question below. For every question that is selected, we'll reach out to the person who asked it.

At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.

But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.

We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.

Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.

Chip in now to fund your local journalism
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