Earlier this week, the U.S. Congress issued a warning to the nonprofit sector, including nonprofit journalism, by attempting to fast-track a bill that would allow the Trump Administration to unilaterally revoke the tax-exempt status of any nonprofit deemed to be “supporting terrorism.” While the bill primarily targeted pro-Palestine organizations, it also posed a threat toContinue reading “Thriving in Uncertain Political Times: A Guide for Newsrooms”
Author Archives: support
Michigan Local News Charts Independent Path Amid Polarization
In this recent presidential election cycle, the consequences of critical civic news failing to reach those who need it most have become strikingly clear. Many Americans are tuning out traditional journalism, actively avoiding national news networks and opting not to subscribe to national or local newspapers. Despite this, the demand for reliable information remains high.Continue reading “Michigan Local News Charts Independent Path Amid Polarization”
Post-Election Season Legal Challenges:A Guide for BIPOC Publishers
As we move beyond election season, it’s crucial for BIPOC publishers to remain vigilant about the ongoing legal challenges that can arise in our journalism. As local publishers, especially in the BIPOC community, it’s important to stay aware of the legal landscape to keep our reporting strong and our publications protected. Let’s dive into whatContinue reading “Post-Election Season Legal Challenges:A Guide for BIPOC Publishers”
Minnesota Community News Landscape Today
Original research by The Pivot Fund investigates the local news landscape in Minnesota.
Why many independent community newsrooms don’t make endorsements
The billionaire owners of the Washington Post and LA Times sparked a firestorm of debate when they blocked their editorial writers from endorsing a 2024 presidential candidate. For The Post—an iconic outlet under Amazon founder Jeff Bezos—this decision triggered over 200,000 readers to cancel their subscriptions. Much of the anger and angst is over whetherContinue reading “Why many independent community newsrooms don’t make endorsements”
Philanthropy Intermediaries: Power, Challenges, and Potential
Philanthropic intermediaries have long served as bridges, directing funding from large donors to grassroots organizations, but questions remain about their effectiveness and true impact, specifically in the journalism field. The Pivot Fund’s CEO, Tracie Powell, acknowledged this complexity: “This invitation to talk about intermediaries… is kind of a controversial topic right now,” she noted. “ThereContinue reading “Philanthropy Intermediaries: Power, Challenges, and Potential”
How The Courier Eco Latino is Transforming Revenue with Community
The Courier Eco Latino, a Georgia-based publication serving BIPOC communities, is redefining sustainability in local journalism with an innovative approach to revenue generation. With support from The Pivot Fund, the outlet has launched a new online obituary platform that not only serves grieving families but also creates a sustainable, long-term revenue stream. A Revenue ModelContinue reading “How The Courier Eco Latino is Transforming Revenue with Community”
Leaders Call for Philanthropy-Backed “Moonshot” to Reclaim Ad Revenue from Tech Giants
Local news leaders unveiled a visionary “moonshot” initiative to reclaim a share of local advertising revenue lost to tech behemoths such as Google and Meta.
How The Courier Eco Latino is Turning Obituaries into Opportunity
Publications serving BIPOC communities are always exploring new ways to build sustainable revenue while staying deeply connected to their audiences. The Courier Eco Latino, a Columbus, Georgia-based news outlet, is setting a bold example with the launch of its innovative obituary platform. By leaning into strategic partnerships and committing to the needs of its readers,Continue reading “How The Courier Eco Latino is Turning Obituaries into Opportunity”
Strengthening Local News Ecosystems: 2024 Report
What is it and why is it important? The 2024 Local News Ecosystems report from Democracy Fund highlights the deepening crisis in local journalism, especially in underserved and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities. As more newspapers shut down, over 200 counties across the U.S. are left without any local news outlet, creating information gapsContinue reading “Strengthening Local News Ecosystems: 2024 Report”