Goosewire is an independent digital media publication dedicated to making news, government, and public policy easier to understand. Our focus is Pennsylvania, with particular attention to Mifflin County and the decisions that shape everyday life here.
You shouldn’t need a political science degree, a party membership, or an afternoon to untangle government jargon just to understand what’s happening in your community. We want to give you the facts, the context, and a clear explanation of why a story matters.
Understand more. Ask better questions.
Our founding charter starts with a simple belief: journalism should be understandable, engaging, and useful. That means looking beyond an announcement or a heated exchange to examine the documents, decisions, and consequences behind it.
We’re building Goosewire around reporting, researched explainers, video, interviews, and thoughtful commentary. Our planned flagship is a weekly video program hosted by founder John Zangari, accompanied by articles and short-form coverage. We’ll grow at a pace that lets us do the work well.
Know what you’re reading.
Reporting establishes what happened through verified facts. Explainers make systems and policies easier to follow. Analysis interprets the evidence and considers what it may mean. Opinion makes an argument from an identified perspective. Interviews bring people’s experience and expertise into the conversation.
We’ll label those formats clearly. An opinion can be forceful; its factual claims still need to stand up to scrutiny. Advertising and sponsored content will be identified, too.
What’s with the goose?
Meet Puddles! His roots are in the Goose Day tradition around Lewistown, a familiar bit of central Pennsylvania that brings neighbors and local businesses together. He carries that sense of belonging into Goosewire.
No left. No right.
Just folks.
A lone goose meanders. A flock has somewhere to go. For us, flying higher, better, and faster together is a picture of what people can do when they share what they know, look out for one another, and move with a common purpose.
You don’t have to vote alike to belong here. You don’t even have to agree with us. Bring your questions, your experience, and a willingness to hear your neighbors. There’s room in this flock.
What you can expect from us.
Accuracy before speed. We’ll verify consequential claims, seek out primary documents, and make our sources clear wherever practicable. When something is uncertain, we’ll say so.
Fairness and respect. We’ll represent relevant perspectives accurately and give people an appropriate opportunity to respond to substantial allegations. We can ask hard questions without personal cruelty or harassment.
Visible accountability. Significant factual errors will receive prompt, transparent corrections. Relevant relationships, financial interests, and other potential conflicts will be disclosed.
Editorial independence. Sponsors, donors, advertisers, and political organizations cannot buy favorable coverage or control our editorial conclusions. We’ll evaluate officials and their decisions on the merits, regardless of party.
A clear line between journalism and campaigning.
Founder and host John Zangari previously ran for political office. Goosewire is an independent publication, not a campaign or a publication of any political party.
When coverage directly involves a contributor’s past campaign, advocacy, personal relationships, or financial interests, we’ll disclose that connection and seek independent editorial review when appropriate. Readers should have the context to judge our work for themselves.
Built to earn your trust.
Our ambition is a lasting publication that serves its audience beyond any one host or personality. We’ll measure its success by the accuracy of our work, the trust we earn, and whether people come away better able to understand the issues affecting their lives.