BSR Readers Decide: Reduce Coverage or Keep Full Reporting?

Nonprofit arts media outlet faces funding gap, asks readers to determine its future

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The nonprofit arts and culture publication Broad Street Review (BSR) is facing a funding gap this spring, threatening its ability to maintain full coverage. The publication is turning to its readers to decide whether to reduce coverage or keep reporting at current levels by raising $10,000 by March 31.

Why it matters

As one of Philadelphia's last remaining arts-focused media outlets, BSR's coverage is integral to the city's creative economy, providing event guides, reviews, essays, and reporting that amplify local artists and connect cultural organizations to new audiences. The publication's financial struggles reflect the broader challenges facing nonprofit journalism.

The details

BSR's funding gap is due to increased competition for grants and some foundation funding drawing down. To fill the $10,000 shortfall and avoid reducing coverage, the publication is asking readers to contribute. As of March 10, readers have raised $1,700 towards the goal. BSR's editor Alaina Johns notes that a $3 donation from each reader would quickly meet the target, though the reality is most readers do not contribute.

  • BSR needs to raise $10,000 by March 31, 2026 to avoid reducing coverage.
  • As of March 10, 2026, readers have raised $1,700 towards the $10,000 goal.

The players

Broad Street Review (BSR)

A nonprofit arts and culture publication in Philadelphia that has provided coverage for more than 20 years.

Alaina Johns

The editor of Broad Street Review.

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What they’re saying

“If everyone who read BSR this month chipped in $3, we'd quickly meet our goal.”

— Alaina Johns, Editor (Broad Street Review)

What’s next

If BSR is unable to raise the $10,000 by March 31, the publication will have to reduce its coverage this spring.

The takeaway

The financial struggles of BSR reflect the broader challenges facing nonprofit journalism, underscoring the importance of reader support to sustain independent arts and culture reporting in Philadelphia.