A Leap Forward for Local Journalism, Community Education and Civic Engagement in Central Pennsylvania
For nearly 158 years and four generations, the Steinman family of Lancaster has owned and operated what today is LNP | LancasterOnline, Lancaster County’s top source of news and information.
Founded by educators in 1963, WITF has been an essential part of the civic, educational and cultural fabric of the Central Pennsylvania region for 60 years.
Now LNP and WITF — two vibrant, local institutions — are marking a new era and a huge leap forward in how they serve all who call Central Pennsylvania home.
Steinman Communications, which is owned by the Steinman family, is gifting LNP to WITF as a capstone to the family’s two centuries of community service and philanthropy.
Together, WITF and LNP are creating a new mission-driven and sustainable model for local news, community education and civic engagement in the region. Together they will:
- Collaboratively expand and diversify local news media platforms, educational programs and forums for civic engagement
- Build on their important work that shines a light on government decision-making, serves as a check on public spending, and holds elected leaders to account
- Deliver local news in ways that inform and inspire the communities they serve
- Fill the void in local journalism that has resulted as other media organizations retrench or close
- Expand equitable access to proven, effective education programs for learners regionally and statewide
WITF and LNP will leverage each other’s strengths to achieve their educational mission through increased early childhood education, STEM education, media literacy, and civic engagement programs. Additionally, the Steinman Foundation, a philanthropic organization focused on improving the quality of life in Lancaster County communities, and WITF are establishing the Steinman Institute for Civic Engagement. The Steinman Institute will advance journalism, professional development (of journalists), innovation, community engagement and community-focused education initiatives.
The combined enterprise will remain 100% locally owned and operated and serve almost three million people in 19 counties in Central Pennsylvania.
With our shared commitment to local journalism, community education and civic engagement, we are excited for you to discover all the ways we will enrich more lives — together.
Experience our Vision

Ways You Can Support
Donate to WITF
Show your support for WITF by making a one-time gift, or become a monthly donor to support quality local journalism in Central Pennsylvania.
Become a WITF Sponsor
WITF will help your business or organization reach a wide audience of consumers from across Central Pennsylvania and beyond.
Stay connected to Lancaster County
Quality, independent, local journalism plays an important role in our community. We appreciate your support.
Support the Lancaster County Local Journalism Fund
Our mission is to support, protect and expand local journalism in and for Lancaster County by promoting investigative and public interest journalism and media literacy.
Contact Us
We welcome and value your feedback and questions. Please reach us through one of the methods below.