I’m excited to share a proud moment for The Sopris Sun and our entire community: We’ve officially earned certification from the Journalism Trust Initiative, an initiative operated by Reporters Without Borders to promote a healthier media landscape by recognizing outlets that adhere to the highest standards of accuracy, transparency and ethical journalism. This certification isn’t just a milestone for us — it’s a celebration of you, our readers and supporters, who have made it all possible.

This places us among only 1,700 news organizations worldwide and just 100 in the United States, with our publication being the first in the Roaring Fork Valley to earn this recognition. What excites me most, however, is what this means for you, our neighbors and community. It’s a promise that when you pick up The Sopris Sun or Sol del Valle, you’re holding a publication you can count on — one that’s committed to telling stories that matter with utmost care.

Why this matters
With today’s fast-paced, often overwhelming media landscape, finding news you can trust is especially important. This certification reflects our unwavering commitment to providing you with accurate, fair and community-rooted stories. Whether it’s a profile of a local artist, coverage of important local government decisions, breaking news or a story about a nonprofit making a difference, our goal is to deliver journalism that empowers you — helping shape your daily life and sparking thoughtful conversations that strengthen the fabric of our community.

Independent community-focused newspapers like The Sopris Sun and Sol del Valle are central to fostering civil discourse. By sharing local stories, promoting engagement and giving space to diverse voices, we help bridge divides and encourage thoughtful, respectful dialogue. Staying informed about local issues helps strengthen your connection to the Valley, whether that’s knowing what’s happening with municipal governments, learning about cultural events or hearing from the people making a difference in our neighborhoods. This certification is a reaffirmation of our mission, and it challenges us to deepen our impact.

Building a better future together
Thanks to your support, we’ve been able to accomplish much in recent years:

Local coverage: We’re committed to telling stories that reflect the heart of this region, from Aspen to Parachute — stories you won’t find anywhere else.

Sol del Valle: Filling a news desert, our Spanish-language publication ensures that all our neighbors, regardless of language, have access to the news they need and feel included in the broader community conversation.

Youth Journalism Program: Through mentoring the next generation of reporters, we’re ensuring that fresh voices are heard, and that your children and grandchildren see themselves reflected in the stories we tell, shaping the future of local journalism.

Annual Giving Guide: We helped over 90 local nonprofits raise more than $1,000,000 last year, directly supporting the vital work happening in our community.

These accomplishments wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our 30+ regular contributors — editors, writers, photographers, illustrators and others — who make The Sopris Sun and Sol del Valle shine bright. Their hard work, passion, bravery and expertise are reflected on every page, and we are incredibly grateful for all they do. Thank you for supporting our contributors and the essential work they do for our community.

How you can help
While this certification celebrates what we’ve achieved, it also highlights the challenges that lie ahead — especially in securing sustainable local funding so we can continue to serve our community for many years to come. Local independent journalism is a vital pillar for a healthy society, but it requires constant effort and support. As we enter the new year, I invite you to continue being a part of our journey, of our family.

When you support The Sopris Sun — whether through generous donations, volunteering, sharing our stories or simply reading the paper each week — you’re helping us deliver news that connects us all, celebrates our shared humanity, and nurtures a culture of civil discourse.

Thank you for trusting us with your stories. This certification belongs to all of us because we truly couldn’t have done it without you.