Ben Bennett joins the Bucks County Beacon as a Report for America corps member through a host newsroom partnership.
Before joining Bucks County Beacon, Bennett served as a newsroom intern and fellow at WHYY, reporting Philadelphia-based news and stories.
Originally from Delaware County, Bennett was selected from a slate of five finalists selected by Report for America specifically for the Bucks County Beacon.
“This partnership with Report for America and the addition of Ben to our staff aids us in adding even more breadth and depth to our news coverage,” said Editor-in-Chief Cyril Mychalejko. “I am excited about the education reporting in Lower Bucks County that he’ll provide to our readership.”
Bennett is one of 78 journalists (out of 1,600 who applied) placed in newsrooms across the country as part of the organization’s efforts to strengthen local news. Those placed for the 2026-2027 cohort come from 42 states and Puerto Rico; almost half are people of color and more than 60% are women.
“These journalists represent hope: a new generation committed to local news reporting that helps people better understand their communities and one another,” said Kim Kleman, executive director at Report for America. “Our model is designed not only to place talented reporters where they are needed most, but also to deepen community trust and build a more sustainable future for local news.”
Bennett said he identified the Bucks County Beacon early in the application process as a newsroom he wanted to join.
“I connected with the outlet’s mission and identity as a whole. After interviewing with the team, it only reaffirmed my commitment that I wanted to report for the Beacon,” added Bennett.
“These journalists represent hope: a new generation committed to local news reporting that helps people better understand their communities and one another.” – Report for America Executive Director Kim Kleman
He officially joins the staff in July, but will be freelancing with us in the meantime.
“Report for America advanced five exceptional candidates for our consideration, and Ben stood out among them as the right fit,” said Bucks County Beacon Chief Revenue Officer Daralyse Lyons.
Lyons added Bennett knows the publication’s audience is eager to learn. He is social media savvy, offers Spanish language skills “and he was an immediate fit for our team.”
“People want to talk to him and that bodes well for his ability to make connections in the community, build rapport with sources and take on the ambitious project of building a beat. Plus, his background in educational reporting makes him an ideal fit for the role,” Lyons said.
Report for America is a national service program, placing early career and emerging journalists in vetted partner newsrooms to address local underserved topics, issues and communities.
“I wanted to join Report for America because I believe in their mission and the importance of bridging gaps in local news coverage,” Bennett said via email. “With the current state of the news landscape, local reporting is more important than ever.”
Bennett said a growing mistrust of media outlets by Americans “is at record highs,” and one of the ways to combat this landscape of doubt and skepticism is through well-researched, fact-based and objective journalism.
He is excited to bring experience covering public education in Philadelphia to his role at Bucks County Beacon – and in serving underreported school districts in Lower Bucks County – a Report for American mission hallmark.
“I connected with the outlet’s mission and identity as a whole. After interviewing with the team, it only reaffirmed my commitment that I wanted to report for the Beacon.” – Ben Bennett
As a journalist and photojournalist, Bennett brings a unique lens to his storytelling.
“I’m excited to learn more about Lower Bucks and the entire county as a whole … I believe that input from the community is essential for local journalism,” Bennett said.
Lyons said Bucks County Beacon recognizes the value of Report for America’s support.
The outreach and partnerships come as Report for America supports independent news reporting during a time when many outlets have struggled financially to remain solvent – and viable.
“It is a vote of confidence in us – and in Ben – and we are excited to raise the funds necessary to support Ben’s role for many years to come,” Lyons said.
For those who love Bucks County Beacon’s mission of providing independent journalism and want to add the support to make a difference, consider making a donation.
