Tucson Spotlight has been named a finalist for the Collaboration of the Year award by Local Independent Online News Publishers, a national organization that supports independent online news outlets.

The award recognizes a newsroom that has successfully partnered with at least one other organization to strengthen its journalistic impact, financial health or operational resilience.

Tucson Spotlight is one of three finalists in the category's small revenue tier, selected from 232 submissions across 10 award categories.

The recognition highlights the newsroom's partnerships across Southern Arizona, including its work in South Tucson, a predominantly Hispanic community of 5,600 residents with limited digital access. Tucson Spotlight independently reported on the city and handled layout and design of two editions of a physical newsletter delivered to residents last year.

The newsroom also hosts O'odham Media on its website and began producing a physical newsletter for Tohono O'odham Nation residents, bringing Indigenous journalism to one of Southern Arizona's most significant news deserts.

Additional collaborations with Arizona Luminaria, the Local News Initiative of Southern Arizona, Tucson Tome Gnome and the University of Arizona have produced literacy and civic events beyond what any single organization could accomplish alone.

"This recognition belongs to our partners as much as it does to us," said Tucson Spotlight co-founder Caitlin Schmidt. "We've always believed that sustainable community journalism is built on relationships, and this work proves that collaboration is how small newsrooms reach the people who need local news most."

This is the second consecutive year Tucson Spotlight has been named a LION Sustainability Awards finalist. Last year, the newsroom was a finalist for the New Business of the Year award.

Founded in September 2024, Tucson Spotlight produces bilingual, community-focused reporting led by local and emerging journalists, with a mission centered on improving access to civic information in historically underserved communities.

Since its launch, the newsroom has provided paid opportunities to more than 50 early career journalists.

This year's finalists include 45 member organizations, with winners announced live during the LION Sustainability Awards celebration at the Independent News Sustainability Summit, held Sept. 9-11 in San Diego.

Tucson Spotlight is a community-based newsroom that provides paid opportunities for students and rising journalists in Southern Arizona. Please consider supporting our work with a tax-deductible donation.