Philip Eil Argues for Support to Keep Providence News Local

In a column for The Providence Eye, opinion-section editor Philip Eil argues that financial support is essential to sustain the nonprofit publication and keep its local journalism free for the public.

The Providence Eye operates as a nonprofit organization with an unpaid board of directors and volunteer staff members. Eil serves as a volunteer opinion editor, board member, writing coach, writer, and occasional city council forum moderator without compensation.

Donations represent the publication’s biggest source of revenue, funding staff salaries and operational expenses. The publication currently employs two full-time staff members: managing editor Dana Schneider, who joined in early 2025, and city reporter Eric Halvarson, who was hired earlier this year.

Instagram

“I know that they are driven by all the right reasons: a passion for truth and accountability, a concern for community, a love for arts and culture, a desire to elevate under-heard voices,” Eil wrote in the column regarding Schneider and Halvarson.

The publication maintains that its reporting costs money for website upkeep, office supplies, software, and media liability insurance. Halvarson’s recent work includes deep dives into local mural disputes and investigations into marijuana retail applications, while Schneider edits volunteer pieces, produces newsletters, and covers local events such as primary-election-night celebrations.

While subscription models or paywalls could generate revenue, the publication remains committed to keeping its content freely accessible. Eil said that additional funding could eventually enable the outlet to pay freelance contributors.

The Providence Eye turned three earlier this year. During that period, the organization has hosted 11 city council candidate forums, organized tours of the port and landfill, and published extensive reporting on local affairs, including ten essays following the Brown University shooting.

Eil contrasted the independent outlet with other regional media organizations owned by out-of-state conglomerates or publicly traded corporations, arguing that Providence needs locally-owned, community-minded news structures.