February 21, 2023 “Part of the Solution.” How the American Journalism Project Is Galvanizing Support from Local Funders February 21, 2023/ Mike Scutari Philanthropic funding has emerged as a key revenue source for the revitalization of local journalism. The American Journalism Project is on the front lines, making a case for trusted news to local funders.Read More
February 10, 2023 Journalists Are Questioning the Idea of Objectivity. What’s Philanthropy’s Role in the Conversation? February 10, 2023/ Mike Scutari A new report argues that newsrooms should ditch the conventional idea of journalistic objectivity. Meanwhile, a lot of philanthropy-backed nonprofit media has already moved on to different paradigms.Read More
September 07, 2022 Galvanizing Local Support, Community Foundations Are Bringing News Deserts Back to Life September 07, 2022/ Mike Scutari Community foundations are emerging as key philanthropic partners for local news outlets. We discuss this promising trend with Todd Franko, Report for America’s director of local sustainability and development.Read More
April 08, 2022 This Chicago Journalism Merger Is a Breakthrough for Local News—and Funders Are Taking Note April 08, 2022/ Katherine Don Long-beleaguered and previously bankrupt, the storied Chicago Sun-Times has gotten a new lease on life by merging with a nonprofit public media company. Here’s how philanthropy helped make that happen.Read More
February 01, 2022 Democracy Funders Are Forgetting About One of the Biggest Threats to Democracy February 01, 2022/ Steven Waldman and Lauren McKown, Guest Contributors More funders are awakening to the urgent need to protect American democracy. Guest authors from Report for America and the GroundTruth Project argue that funding local news is a critical but overlooked strategy.Read More
January 03, 2022 How the Cleveland Foundation Is Backing Journalists and Community Members to Bolster Local News January 03, 2022/ Mike Scutari The Cleveland Foundation and partner grantmakers recently announced the launch of a nonprofit newsroom. Vice President Dale Anglin explains how the initiative came about and how community members will be involved.Read More
March 23, 2021 For Local Newsrooms, Philanthropy Isn’t Charity—It’s Revenue March 23, 2021/ Steven Waldman, Guest Contributor Philanthropy is sometimes thought of as a temporary fix for journalism’s failing business model. Steven Waldman of Report for America points to growing evidence that it’s a reliable revenue stream more outlets should be embracing.Read More
February 19, 2021 “Moment of Opportunity.” A Funding Leader on the Promise of Local Climate Reporting February 19, 2021/ Mike Scutari Philanthropic support for climate journalism isn’t what it could—and should—be. With a new partnership, the Local Media Association is channeling funds to newsrooms covering the local impacts of climate change.Read More